Published June 1st, 2026 - 07:56 GMT
ALBAWABA - South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said that his nation, a previous World Cup host in 2010, was made to "look like fools." After the nation’s football team was delayed in travelling to Mexico due to US visa issues.While most teams across the world are packing their bags and travelling to the Americas for the world cup, some teams are facing issues with US immigration policy; South Africa being one of the latest.Demanding answers from the South Africa Football Association (SAFA), McKenzie said: “Actions must be taken against those responsible for this mess.” With national broadcasters describing the matter as an “administrative bungle”The minister continued, writing on X, that: “This Safa travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff.” While SAFA responded that it was “working round the clock” to settle the matter, admitting that they had “experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials”.The matter seemed to be resolved however, with the help of the government’s international relations department, with McKenzie stating yesterday evening that a chartered flight will be leaving on Monday with all the players. However, visas are still pending for the “assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst,” he said.South Africa's forward #12 Thapelo Maseko fights for the ball with Nicaragua's forward #16 Raheem Giuseppe during the international friendly football match between South Africa and Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on May 29, 2026. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)The team played their final home-match on Friday against Nicaragua where they drew 0-0, and they are set to face Jamaica as their final warm-up match before kicking-off the World Cup against Mexico.
