The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
World Cup-bound South Africa has delayed its departure for the global showpiece after visa problems disrupted the team’s travel plans, the national football association said on Sunday.
The squad was scheduled to leave Johannesburg Sunday for a training camp in Mexico aboard a chartered flight, but “has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials,” the South African Football Association (SAFA) said in a statement.
It was not immediately clear how many members of the travelling party had yet to receive their visas.
“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible,” the association said, adding that an emergency meeting would be held on Sunday evening.
