South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup were thrown into disarray on Sunday after the squad failed to depart as scheduled, with visa delays affecting some players and members of the travelling party just 11 days before their opening fixture against co-hosts Mexico.
Key takeaways
- South Africa did not fly out on Sunday because visas for certain players and officials were still being processed.
- The planned charter departure to the training base in Pachuca was postponed while the South African Football Association handled paperwork.
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called the situation “embarrassing” and said action must be taken against those responsible.
- South Africa say they will continue training in Johannesburg until they are able to travel to Mexico City.
- The team opens their World Cup campaign on June 11 in Mexico City and will face Czech Republic and South Korea in Group A later in the tournament.
Visa delays derail scheduled departure
South Africa were due to travel by charter flight to their training location in Pachuca, Mexico, but the move was delayed after issues with visa documentation prevented the group from leaving as intended.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the handling of the matter in a post on X, describing it as both “embarrassing” and “grossly unfair” to the players and the coaching staff. He said he had asked the federation for a report and that steps must be taken against those accountable, adding that the national team was being made to look foolish.
In its own statement, the South African Football Association said the squad could not depart in the morning as planned due to “challenges regarding visas” affecting some members of the party. The federation added that it was working to ensure the team reaches Mexico City as soon as possible, while also insisting that preparations would remain on schedule despite the disruption.
Until departure can be completed, the federation confirmed that Bafana Bafana will continue training in Johannesburg.
World Cup return after 2010 hosting
South Africa begin their World Cup campaign in Mexico City on June 11. It will mark their return to the tournament for the first time since they last took part as hosts in 2010.
Their qualification journey was nearly derailed by an administrative error. After South Africa won 2-0 against Lesotho, the result was overturned when an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, featured in the match. Mokoena had been under suspension for that fixture.
Even with that setback, South Africa still finished at the top end of their qualification group, ending the race one point ahead of Nigeria and Benin.
In Group A, the team will then face Czech Republic on June 18 in Atlanta and South Korea on June 24 in Monterrey, both back in Mexico.
