South Africa’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were thrown into disarray after visa issues delayed the team’s departure to Mexico just 11 days before the tournament begins. The Bafana Bafana squad had been scheduled to leave Johannesburg on Sunday to begin its North American preparations ahead of the World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on June 11. However, problems securing travel documents for several players and officials forced the trip to be postponed, prompting sharp criticism from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who said the country was “being made to look like fools.“ The setback comes at a crucial stage of South Africa’s preparations. Hugo Broos’ side is one of 10 African nations competing at the expanded 48-team tournament and will face Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea in Group A. The World Cup marks South Africa’s return to the global showpiece for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Minister blasts visa debacle as SAFA scrambles for solution
Reacting to the delay, McKenzie publicly demanded answers from the South African Football Association (SAFA). “This Safa travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff,” McKenzie wrote on X. He also called for accountability, saying South Africa was “being made to look like fools” and insisting that “action must be taken against those responsible for this mess.” SAFA later confirmed that the national team had encountered visa-related difficulties but did not initially provide specific details. “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 said in a statement. The governing body added: “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.” While waiting for the travel issues to be resolved, the squad remained in Johannesburg and continued training. SAFA also held an emergency meeting on Sunday evening to address the situation. According to reports, efforts were made throughout Sunday to secure the necessary United States visas, a requirement because South Africa’s second World Cup group-stage match against the Czech Republic will be played in Atlanta, Georgia. South Africa’s Department of International Relations was also reportedly involved in helping resolve the matter.
South Africa players pose before the start of a World Cup 2026 group C qualifying soccer match between South Africa and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium, in Nelspruit, South Africa, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Later on Sunday, McKenzie provided a more positive update, confirming that the players had finally received clearance to travel. “All @BafanaBafana players received their visas to travel to the USA, outstanding is assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst,” he wrote on X. “The charter will leave tomorrow.” The delay means South Africa lost valuable preparation time before Friday’s friendly against Jamaica in Mexico, their final warm-up fixture before the tournament begins. The visa complications come shortly after a disappointing send-off match at home, where Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by Nicaragua on Friday. South Africa also missed a penalty during the match, with some reports describing the result as disappointing as it stretched the team’s winless run to four matches heading into the World Cup.
