South Africa's World Cup Visa Issues Delay Team Travel

South Africa's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been severely hampered by visa complications that have prevented the national team, Bafana Bafana, from traveling to North America. The team was expected to depart from Johannesburg on Sunday ahead of their opening group match against host nation Mexico on June 11.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that several players and officials had not yet received their travel documents, leading to significant logistical difficulties. An emergency committee has been convened to address the issue, with updates to follow.

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, expressed his embarrassment over the situation, describing it as grossly unfair to the players and coaching staff who have worked incredibly hard in preparation for the event. The complications arose despite expectations that players and staff would receive exemptions from normal travel restrictions, highlighting the urgency of resolving the issue before the match against Mexico.