Guests at the 2026 Nedbank International Polo turned up in bold, bright style for Inanda Club’s “Africa In Full Colour” theme, delivering a polished splash of colour on a sun-soaked Johannesburg Saturday. More than just fashion and photos, the day blended sport with a distinctly high-society atmosphere.
Quick facts
- The 2026 Nedbank International Polo happened on Saturday at Inanda Club in Johannesburg, following the “Africa In Full Colour” dress code.
- The USA beat South Africa 13–8 in the headline match, ending a 3–3 tie in their rivalry on South African ground.
- It was the USA’s first tour to South Africa since 2014 and their seventh visit overall, drawing Nedbank private clients, polo fans, celebrities, and influencers.
The main event wasn’t simply a match—it was a full lifestyle moment, the kind that’s become synonymous with the fixture over the years. With Nedbank’s private clients, polo devotees, and a mix of well-known faces and online personalities in attendance, the polo played out alongside world-class hospitality and that unmistakable South African glamour.
At 14:00, the most anticipated showdown of the day kicked off between the USA and South Africa. The stakes were clear from the start: the two teams entered the encounter locked at 3–3 in their rivalry on South African soil, meaning someone would have to break the deadlock.
There was extra weight behind the contest for the Americans as well. The outing marked their first tour to South Africa since 2014, and it was their seventh visit to the country overall—so the result carried meaning well beyond the trophy.
South Africa stayed competitive throughout, keeping the matchup tight for long stretches. But the USA eventually found momentum and pulled away, securing a 13–8 win.
Stella Artois elevates the experience
Partnership came from Stella Artois, with its Belgian-style lager helping set the tone for the afternoon. The brand leaned into its “Taste Worth More” philosophy, built around its signature chalice ritual, turning each pour into part of the day’s shared rhythm.
Guests were encouraged to slow down, connect, and savour the moment—one perfectly poured glass at a time. For many, that gentle shift in pace became as much a feature of the day as the action on the field.
Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand for Stella Artois, said the Nedbank International Polo brought together the elements that matter to the brand: craftsmanship, connection, culture, and the pleasure of experiences shared with others. She added that, alongside the event, Stella Artois was proud to help create an atmosphere that encouraged people to come together and celebrate intentional moments in a memorable setting.
By 16:00, the USA had taken the trophy and the tiebreaker was settled. As the match wrapped, guests moved across the lawns to catch the final stretch of sunshine and score the kind of Instagram-ready snapshots Inanda Club is known for—closing out what many described as a smoothly run, glamorous Johannesburg Saturday.
The Nedbank International Polo has built a loyal following over time, and this year’s edition delivered exactly the mix fans want: top-tier sport, a result worth talking about, and plenty of sunny Joburg energy to match.
Here are some of our fave looks:
