By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: From “it is here” to you could be there — Absa Group and Visa give fans a shot at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Ronwen Williams leading the dream for South Africa national football team. Photo Credit: Supplied
In a campaign that blends nostalgia with opportunity, Absa Group, in partnership with Visa and FIFA, is giving South Africans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 live.
Drawing inspiration from one of the most iconic moments in South African football history—the emotional rallying cry of “Phillip, it is here” during the country’s last World Cup appearance—the campaign reimagines that collective memory for a new generation. This time, the message evolves into something even more powerful: you could be there.
From Memory to Possibility
For many South Africans, the memory of the 2010 FIFA World Cup remains deeply personal—a moment when the nation stood united, and the continent took centre stage. Streets buzzed with energy, vuvuzelas echoed across cities, and football became a shared language of hope and pride.
Now, Absa Rewards is reigniting that spirit—not by looking back, but by opening the door to the future.
“This campaign is about writing the next chapter in Africa’s football story,” says Alicia Raynard, Executive: Absa Rewards. “It’s about showing that our continent belongs on the global stage—and that our people deserve to be part of those defining moments.”
A Shot at the Global Stage
At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful proposition: one lucky Absa Visa cardholder will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they could witness South Africa national football team and other African nations compete against the world’s best.
To enter, customers need only spend R2,500 or more using their Absa Visa card and register for the competition between 1 March and 30 April 2026.
It’s a campaign that transforms everyday transactions into extraordinary opportunities—bringing the dream of attending football’s biggest spectacle within reach.
Led by a National Icon
Fronting the campaign is Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s number one goalkeeper and a symbol of resilience and determination. As captain of Bafana Bafana, Williams embodies the very ethos the campaign seeks to promote: perseverance, ambition and belief.
His journey—from humble beginnings to leading his country on the international stage—mirrors the aspirations of millions of South Africans who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
More Than a Competition
Beyond the prize, the initiative speaks to something deeper: the power of football to connect, inspire and uplift. By linking everyday financial activity to a global sporting experience, Absa and Visa are reframing access—not as privilege, but as possibility.
“This is about us—our stories, our people, our football,” Raynard adds. “It’s about showing that even the smallest actions can lead to life-changing moments.”
A Continental Vision
While rooted in South Africa, the campaign carries a broader message for the African continent. It reinforces the idea that African talent, passion and identity belong on the world stage—not just as participants, but as protagonists in the global football narrative.
The Final Whistle
From “Phillip, it is here” to “you could be there,” the campaign captures the evolution of a dream—one that moves from collective memory to individual opportunity.
As the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds, Absa and Visa are offering more than just a prize. They are offering a moment—one that could change a life, ignite a journey, and once again unite a nation behind the beautiful game.
