Visa Issues Delay South Africa’s Departure For 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after visa issues forced the team to delay its departure for a training camp in Mexico.

The squad had been due to leave Johannesburg earlier today, May 31, aboard a chartered flight ahead of the tournament, but the trip was put on hold after several players and officials failed to secure the necessary travel documents.

In a statement earlier today, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the disruption.

“The squad has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials,” SAFA said.

The association did not disclose how many members of the travelling party were affected, but insisted efforts were underway to resolve the situation quickly.

“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible,” the statement added.

An emergency meeting was scheduled for Sunday evening as officials sought a solution.

According to state broadcaster SABC, visas for at least 20 members of the delegation were still being processed at the United States embassy in Johannesburg.

The delay drew a sharp reaction from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who described the situation as unacceptable.

The “travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff,” he wrote on 𝕏.

“We are being made to look like fools”.

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa are returning to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years and have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea.

South Africa will open their campaign against Mexico on June 11 before taking on the Czech Republic and South Korea in their remaining group matches.

The team heads into the tournament after a goalless draw with Nicaragua in a friendly in Soweto on Friday. Another warm-up match against Jamaica is scheduled for June 5.