South Africa’s World Cup Travel Plans Hit By Visa Delays

• South Africa’s departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been delayed after visa issues affected players and team officials.
• SAFA confirmed the squad’s charter flight to Mexico was postponed from Sunday to Monday.
• The latest setback follows a series of administrative problems that have impacted Bafana Bafana’s World Cup preparations.

South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been disrupted after visa complications forced a delay to the national team’s departure for North America.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that the team’s charter flight from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, originally scheduled to arrive in Mexico on Sunday morning, was postponed and rebooked for Monday.

The delay emerged on Saturday night when reports indicated that several members of the travelling delegation had yet to receive the necessary documentation to enter the United States.

According to reports, at least 20 members of the travelling party, including a number of players, were still awaiting visa processing by the United States Embassy. Several members of the technical staff also reportedly had visa applications declined.

The situation sparked criticism from South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who initially described the episode as “embarrassing” on social media.

“We are being made to look like fools,” McKenzie wrote.

However, he later provided a more positive update, stating that all players had received their visas and that only a small number of staff members remained affected.

“All Bafana Bafana players received their visas to travel to the USA, outstanding is assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave Monday,” McKenzie posted.

SAFA issued a statement on Sunday confirming the travel disruption and outlining efforts to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

“The South African Football Association wishes to update the nation on Bafana Bafana’s travel plans to Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the statement read.

“The South African senior men’s national team has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials, and as a result the group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned.

“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match of the global tournament against the hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.”

The delay threatens to impact South Africa’s final preparations before the tournament.

Bafana Bafana had planned to face Jamaica in a warm-up friendly in Mexico before beginning their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener.

The visa complications are the latest administrative issue to affect the national team in recent years.

South Africa was previously deducted three points during World Cup qualifying after midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in a match against Lesotho despite being suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

The incident generated significant criticism and embarrassment for the association, although South Africa ultimately secured qualification for the World Cup in the final round of group-stage matches.

At the time, SAFA explained that the error occurred because team manager Vincent Tseka was unaware of Mokoena’s suspension after missing the booking incident that triggered the ban.

Head coach Hugo Broos also accepted responsibility, acknowledging that he should have ensured the player’s eligibility before naming him in the team.

Despite the latest setback, South Africa remains confident of arriving in Mexico in time to complete its preparations for the biggest tournament in world football.

The focus now shifts to resolving the remaining visa issues and ensuring the squad can begin its World Cup campaign without any further disruption.