South Africa’s World Cup travel delayed by visa issues
South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, failed to travel to Mexico for their World Cup 2026 opener after some players and officials did not receive visas. The South African Foreign Ministry has engaged with US authorities to resolve the issue.
South Africa’s senior men’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, was unable to depart for Mexico on Sunday as planned ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match, after several team members and officials failed to secure visas. The South African Football Association (SAFA) said in a statement: “The group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned.”
Schedule and emergency meeting
The team was scheduled to fly to Mexico City on a chartered flight before facing hosts Mexico on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. SAFA said the team will continue training in Johannesburg until departure, and an emergency committee meeting will be held to address the situation. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called the visa debacle “embarrassing and grossly unfair,” demanding a report and action against those responsible. “We are being made to look like fools,” he wrote on X.
Diplomatic engagement
South Africa’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it has engaged with US authorities to assist players and technical staff in securing visas for the World Cup, which is being co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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