WATCH | Bafana Bafana touch down in Mexico City for the World Cup

Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup travel plans delayed due to visa issues

South Africa's Bafana Bafana had their FIFA World Cup 2026 departure to Mexico delayed after several players were not issued visas due to an alleged administrative mix-up, just days before their Group A opening match against Mexico on June 11. The incident highlights the operational risks of major tournament logistics for national federations, where last-minute administrative failures can disrupt preparation windows that are already compressed.