World Cup nation ‘made to look like fools’ as visa issues throw travel plans into chaos

Visa issues have caused disruption to the South Africa national team’s travel plans for the World Cup.

Bafana Bafana will compete in Group A this summer and will face co-hosts Mexico in the opener on June 11 at Estadio Azteca.

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South Korea and Czech Republic are the other two opponents in their bid to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

However, the South African Football Association (SAFA) updated fans on the team’s delayed journey to North America.

In a statement, they said: “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. 

“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match of the global tournament against the hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 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 will have an Emergency Committee Meeting this evening (Sunday, 31 May 2026) and a further update will be communicated to the nation after its conclusion.”

Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, expressed his frustrations with the delay in a post on X.

“This @SAFA_net travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & 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.”

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South Africa drew 0-0 with Nicaragua in a friendly on Friday night.

They are due to face Jamaica in a second warm-up match ahead of the World Cup on June 5, reportedly in Mexico.

How did South Africa qualify for the World Cup?

South Africa, who hosted the World Cup in 2010, are making their fourth tournament appearance.

They were drawn into Group C of Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifying with Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho.

Bafana Bafana finished top and just a point above Nigeria to claim the one and only automatic qualification spot.

South Africa were even docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in a 2-0 victory over Lesotho, who were later awarded the win.