Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSouth Africa's Lyle Foster in action with Nicaragua's Justing Cano during an international friendly in May (Reuters)South Africa's World Cup squad departure for the tournament was delayed from Sunday to Monday due to unresolved travel visa issues. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the "embarrassing" administrative error, demanding a report from the South African Football Association (SAFA). While all players have now secured their visas, four key staff members, including an assistant coach and team doctor, are still awaiting theirs. SAFA apologised for the disruption, confirming assistance from the South African Foreign Ministry and the US Consulate in Johannesburg to resolve the problems. The team is scheduled to play co-hosts Mexico in the opening game of the World Cup on 11 June in Mexico City. In fullSouth Africa squad finally set to fly to World Cup after ‘embarrassing’ visa delayThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

May 29 : Lyle Foster missed a penalty as World Cup-bound South Africa were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by lowly Nicaragua in their friendly international in Johannesburg on…

Bafana Bafana's journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 faces a setback as visa issues delay their departure for Mexico.

Officials engaging with the US embassy on Sunday to try to still get the team on their flight on time

CAPE TOWN, May 31 : South Africa will depart for the World Cup on Monday, a day later than planned, after all the players received their visas to travel through the United States,…

CAPE TOWN, May 31 : South Africa failed to depart for the 2026 World Cup as planned on Sunday after some players and officials were yet to receive visas 11 days ahead of their…

CAPE TOWN, May 31 : South Africa’s departure for the 2026 World Cup was delayed on Sunday after some players were yet to receive their visas.The team was due to leave on a charter…

South Africa are due to face hosts Mexico in the tournament opener on 11 June

CAPE TOWN, May 31 — South Africa’s departure for the 2026 World Cup was delayed today after some players were yet to receive their visas.The team was due to leave on a...

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…

South Africa's World Cup departure is delayed due to visa issues for players and officials. SAFA is working to resolve the travel debacle.

South Africa’s national football team has postponed its departure for the FIFA World Cup after visa challenges disrupted travel arrangements for several players and officials.

World Cup delegation held up as players await visas for Mexico, whom South Africa face in the opening game in 11 days.

Team was due to leave on a charter flight for training base in the Mexican city of Pachuca, but that has been delayed.

Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie said the situation was "embarrassing and grossly unfair" for the squad.

Bafana Bafana's journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 faces a setback as visa issues delay their departure for Mexico.

South Africa's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback after visa delays left the team stranded 11 days ...

South Africa's national men's team has postponed its travel to Mexico due to visa issues. Bafana Bafana was supposed to leave on Sunday to prepare for the World Cup.

After a delay due to visa complications, Bafana Bafana is set to jet off to the US for the FIFA World Cup on Monday

Bafana Bafana's World Cup preparations hit a snag as a visa blunder delays their departure for the tournament, prompting Minister Gayton McKenzie to demand accountability from…

Johannesburg (dpa) - Die südafrikanische Nationalmannschaft muss ihre geplante Abreise zur Weltmeisterschaft nach Mexiko wegen Visa-Problemen verschieben. Das teilte der…