FIFA World Cup 2026
Bafana Cleared for World Cup Departure After Visa Issues Resolved
Bafana Bafana are finally set to begin their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after visa complications that delayed their departure were resolved.
The South African national team had originally been scheduled to fly from OR Tambo International Airport to Mexico on Sunday aboard a charter flight.
However, the trip was postponed when several players and members of the delegation were unable to secure the necessary travel visas in time.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed on Sunday that all players had since received their visas, paving the way for the team’s departure on Monday.
Taking to social media, McKenzie revealed that only a handful of support staff members were still awaiting documentation.
“All Bafana players received their visas to travel to the USA. Outstanding are the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave tomorrow,” he said.
Although pleased that the issue had been resolved, McKenzie expressed frustration over the circumstances that led to the delay. He called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.
“I have informed SAFA that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools,” he added.
SAFA had earlier acknowledged that visa-related challenges affecting players and officials had forced a change to the team’s travel schedule.
The resolution comes as a major boost for head coach Hugo Broos and his squad as they enter the final stage of preparations for football’s biggest tournament.
South Africa will travel to Mexico City ahead of their opening World Cup match against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June. Before kicking off their campaign, Bafana Bafana will face Jamaica in a final warm-up fixture on 5 June.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will run from 11 June to 19 July. With the visa concerns now largely behind them, Bafana Bafana can turn their full attention to preparing for the global showpiece.
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