If there is one thing South Africans know how to do, it is turning a sports match into an unmissable weekend-long celebration.
This past weekend, Flying Fish took over The Mint Hotel in Sandton and completely transformed it into the Flying Fish Vibe Hotel. As the O-Fish-Ial Sponsor of the Vibe for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Flying Fish proved that while the football brings us together, everything happening off the pitch keeps us locked in.
The PopPulse team was invited to check in and experience the entire 48-hour takeover right alongside lucky competition winners, creators, and football super-fans. Here is what went down when Sandton became ground zero for World Cup fever.
More Than Just a Hotel Room
Checking into the Vibe Hotel was nothing like a standard weekend getaway. The entire venue was stacked with interactive rooms, a gaming zone, poolside hangouts, and playful setups designed for non-stop socialising.
For the lucky competition winners who scored a full 2-night stay, the excitement hit the moment they walked through the doors.
“I entered the Flying Fish competition on a whim, so actually pulling up to Sandton and seeing my name at check-in was unreal,” one winner told PopPulse while chilling poolside. “You walk down the hallway, and there is music, live podcasting, and people who started as strangers instantly becoming crew.”
Road Trip to Victoria Yards for Surprisingly Good Sets
The party did not stay inside the hotel walls. On Saturday, the entire guest list piled out for a trip to Victoria Yards for Surprisingly Good Sets.
Surrounded by Joburg’s creative culture and live music, fans gathered around the screens for a live viewing of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ third-place playoff between France and England. The energy was electric as supporters from both sides traded banter over cold Flying Fish Pressed Lemons.
Once the final whistle blew, everyone headed straight back to Sandton to keep the Momentum going into the evening.
The 24-Hour Podcast Challenge and the Final Showdown
Back at the Vibe Hotel, the ultimate test of endurance was underway. At the core of the takeover was a 24-hour live podcast experience running continuously through the day and night.
Guests dropped in to join live conversations, debate tournament highlights, and test their stamina. A handful of dedicated fans took on the challenge to stay awake for the entire 24 hours to prove they were truly Up For The Vibe.
“Sleep is for next week,” laughed another fan who stayed up in the podcast lounge until sunrise. “When you are surrounded by this kind of energy, you do not want to miss a single minute.”
The marathon weekend culminated in a massive screening of the tournament final between Argentina and Spain. Surrounded by new friends, incredible music, and unmatched energy, fans cheered on every moment until the final whistle.
Flying Fish proved that when you bring the right people, music, and energy together, everyone leaves a winner.
