South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback on Sunday after visa issues delayed the team’s departure to Mexico.
The squad was scheduled to travel on a charter flight to Pachuca, where they will hold their pre tournament training camp. However, the trip was postponed after several players had not yet received their visas.
According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, the delay has been extended indefinitely.
The South African Football Association did not immediately comment on the situation. However, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed his frustration in a statement on social media.
“This SAFA travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff.
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.”
South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign on June 11 against co hosts Mexico in Mexico City. The tournament marks their first appearance at the World Cup since hosting the event in 2010.
The road to qualification was not without drama. South Africa nearly lost their place at the finals after a mistake involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
Their 2-0 win over Lesotho was initially placed under scrutiny because Mokoena played despite being suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The issue raised concerns over their qualification campaign.
Despite the controversy, South Africa still finished one point ahead of both Nigeria and Benin in their qualifying group and secured a place at the tournament.
After facing Mexico, South Africa will take on the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18. Their final group match will be against South Korea in Monterrey on June 24.
The team will now hope the visa issues are resolved quickly so they can focus fully on their preparations for the biggest tournament in world football.
