How to Watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or in South Africa: Date, Time, Awards and Live Stream
Football’s biggest stars will take centre stage in London on Monday, 26 October, as the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrates the outstanding players, coaches and teams from across the men’s and women’s game.
The prestigious event will feature 13 awards, with the football world waiting to discover who will be crowned the best player in the world. With names such as Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi among the headline contenders, there will be plenty of intrigue ahead of the main announcements.
Planning to follow the action from South Africa? Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or, including the South African start times, the awards up for grabs and the players making headlines.
How to Watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or Live in South Africa
South African football fans can watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony live on DAZN, with a free worldwide live stream available. Viewers will need to create a free DAZN account using an email address to access the stream.
The ceremony takes place at the London Palladium in London, England, on Monday, 26 October 2026.
2026 Ballon d’Or viewing details
- Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
- Venue: London Palladium, London, England
- Where to watch: DAZN
- Streaming: Free worldwide live stream, with a free account required
- Main ceremony begins: 23:00 South African time
- Men’s Ballon d’Or announcement: Approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 27 October, South African time
Make sure you’re ready for a late night of football celebrations, with the main men’s award expected to be announced after midnight in South Africa.
2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony Schedule: South African Times
The ceremony’s key moments are expected to unfold throughout Monday evening and into the early hours of Tuesday morning in South Africa. All times below are South African Standard Time (SAST).
| Time (SAST) | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 19:00–21:30, Monday 26 October | Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings from 30th to 11th revealed |
| 21:30, Monday 26 October | Players, coaches and guests arrive for the red carpet |
| 23:00, Monday 26 October | Main ceremony begins |
| 23:00–01:00, Monday–Tuesday | Awards presented across the men’s and women’s game |
| Approximately 01:00, Tuesday 27 October | Men’s Ballon d’Or winner announced |
| After the ceremony | Winners’ interviews and media appearances |
Please note: The schedule may change, and the exact presentation order of individual awards has not been confirmed. The men’s Ballon d’Or announcement is expected at approximately 01:00 SAST on Tuesday, 27 October.
What Is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s most prestigious individual honours, recognising outstanding performances and achievements in the sport. The award was first presented in 1956, with England legend Sir Stanley Matthews becoming its inaugural winner.
The 2026 ceremony will be held at the London Palladium, marking a significant change of setting for an event traditionally associated with France. Organised by France Football in partnership with UEFA, the evening will celebrate excellence across both men’s and women’s football.
While the main Ballon d’Or awards attract much of the attention, the ceremony also recognises achievements across a range of positions and categories, from emerging young talent to goalkeepers, strikers and coaches.
Which Awards Will Be Presented at the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
A total of 13 trophies are due to be awarded during the ceremony, celebrating individual performances, coaching achievements, club success and contributions beyond the pitch.
Among the key awards are:
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Recognises the outstanding male footballer.
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Celebrates excellence in women’s football.
- Kopa Trophy: Recognises the leading young players.
- Yashin Trophy: Honours the top goalkeepers.
- Gerd Müller Trophy: Recognises outstanding goalscoring achievements.
- Johan Cruyff Trophy: Celebrates leading coaches.
- Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year: Recognises achievement at club level.
- Socrates Award: Celebrates humanitarian work and contributions to society.
The full programme means there will be plenty to follow beyond the headline awards, with recognition for players, teams and individuals who have made a significant impact on the game.
Who Are the Contenders for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or?
The men’s shortlist includes several of the biggest names in world football, with Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi among the high-profile contenders.
Performances during the 2025/26 campaign, alongside achievements on the international stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are expected to feature prominently in discussions around the final rankings.
Kane has enjoyed a prolific spell with Bayern Munich and England, while Yamal has continued to attract attention for his performances at club and international level. Mbappé is also among the leading names in the conversation, alongside established stars such as Haaland and Messi.
With the final rankings and winner set to be revealed during the ceremony, the build-up promises plenty of debate among football supporters.
Who Will Win the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or?
The Women’s Ballon d’Or is another major highlight of the evening, celebrating the player judged to have delivered the most outstanding performances over the relevant period.
The women’s game continues to produce exceptional talent across club and international football, making the award one of the most anticipated announcements of the night.
Alongside the main prize, the ceremony will also recognise women’s football through awards such as the Women’s Club of the Year, ensuring that achievements across the game receive their moment in the spotlight.
Follow the 2026 Ballon d’Or with World Sports Betting
From the red-carpet arrivals to the final trophy presentation, the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises a memorable night for football fans.
Tune in to DAZN from South Africa, keep an eye on the key announcements and see which stars take home football’s biggest individual honours.
Want to explore the available football markets? Visit World Sports Betting and check out the options available.
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