South Africa’s World Cup buildup hit an unexpected administrative snag on Sunday after visa complications delayed the national team’s scheduled departure to Mexico for its pre-tournament training camp.
The men’s national team, Bafana Bafana, was set to leave Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on May 31, 2026, but the flight was grounded after several players and staff encountered unresolved visa issues.
The South African Football Association confirmed the disruption, saying it was working urgently to resolve the matter and get the squad to Mexico City ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an official statement, the association said the team would remain in Johannesburg and continue training while efforts were made to secure clearance for all remaining delegation members. SAFA also convened an emergency committee meeting to manage the situation and coordinate next steps.
The delay triggered a strong reaction from South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who initially criticized the situation as embarrassing and called for accountability over what appeared to be administrative mismanagement. He later clarified that all players had received visas, but a small group of key staff members, including members of the technical and medical teams, were still awaiting approval.
