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South Africa’s men’s national team, Bafana Bafana, has been unable to travel to Mexico for their 2026 World Cup preparations due to visa issues. An administrative error left several players’ visas still processing, and some officials’ applications were denied.
The team was due to fly from Johannesburg to Mexico City on Sunday but remains in South Africa, training in Johannesburg instead. South Africa face co‑hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener on June 11. The sports minister has demanded accountability.
Key Points:
Delayed travel disrupts crucial match preparation and acclimatisation time.
South Africa’s first World Cup since 2010 is now jeopardised by off‑field errors.
The sports minister’s anger reflects national embarrassment over administrative incompetence.
Previous SAFA errors (delayed payments, ineligible player) suggest systemic problems.
Mexico will have a significant advantage in hosting a poorly prepared Bafana Bafana.
SAFA must resolve the visa crisis urgently, or South Africa risk a disastrous World Cup campaign.
Sources: Daily Trust
