South Africa’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has hit an unexpected hurdle after visa-related problems delayed the team’s scheduled departure for a training camp in Mexico.
The Bafana Bafana squad was expected to leave Johannesburg on Sunday, May 31, aboard a chartered flight as part of its final preparations for the tournament. However, the journey was postponed after several players and officials were unable to obtain the required travel documents.
In a statement, the South African Football Association confirmed the setback, revealing that visa issues affecting members of the delegation had disrupted the team’s travel plans.
According to SAFA, efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter and ensure the squad departs for Mexico City as soon as possible. The association did not specify the exact number of individuals affected.
Reports from state broadcaster SABC indicated that visas for at least 20 members of the delegation were still being processed at the United States Embassy in Johannesburg, prompting officials to convene an emergency meeting on Sunday evening to address the situation.
The development sparked criticism from South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who described the travel complications as both embarrassing and unfair to the players and coaching staff.
South Africa, coached by Hugo Broos, will be making their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 16 years. They have been placed in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea.
The team is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Mexico on June 11 before facing the Czech Republic and South Korea in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
Bafana Bafana head into the tournament after playing out a goalless draw with Nicaragua in a friendly match in Soweto on Friday. Another preparatory fixture against Jamaica is scheduled for June 5.