Visa Issues Delay South Africa’s Departure for 2026 World Cup

Visa Issues Delay South Africa’s Departure for 2026 World Cup

South Africa’s senior national football team, Bafana Bafana, has been forced to postpone its planned departure to Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to visa-related challenges affecting some players and officials.

The development was confirmed by the South African Football Association, which said the team was scheduled to travel on Sunday morning but could not proceed as planned because the necessary travel documents had not been secured for all members of the delegation.

In a statement, the association explained that visa complications involving some players and officials prevented the squad from travelling to North America as originally scheduled.

The team was expected to arrive in Mexico to begin final preparations for its opening World Cup fixture.

SAFA assured supporters that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and ensure the team departs as soon as possible ahead of its first match of the tournament on June 11.

The association added that, pending the resolution of the visa challenges, Bafana Bafana will continue its training programme in Johannesburg.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

South Africa will be hoping to resolve the travel setback quickly as the team intensifies preparations for its campaign at football’s biggest tournament.

Visa Issues Delay South Africa’s Departure for 2026 World Cup