Bafana Bafana Stranded in South Africa Over World Cup Visa Crisis
"The South African senior men's national team has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials, and as a result the group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned," the South African Football Association (SAFA) said in a statement.
The squad had been set to depart Johannesburg aboard a chartered flight bound for Mexico City on Sunday, with their tournament debut — a high-stakes clash against host nation Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca — scheduled for June 11, 2026.
"We remain committed to ensuring that the team's preparations for the tournament remain on track and, in the meantime, Bafana Bafana will continue to train in Johannesburg until departure," SAFA said.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie pulled no punches in his condemnation of the breakdown, calling it embarrassing and deeply unjust toward the players and coaching staff.
"I have informed @SAFA_net 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 wrote on the US social media site X.
SAFA announced it would convene an emergency committee meeting Sunday evening, pledging a further update following its conclusion.
South Africa's Foreign Ministry confirmed it had intervened, engaging US authorities to help affected players and technical staff secure the necessary travel visas in time for the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 through July 19.
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