Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback after visa delays forced the postponement of the team’s planned departure for Mexico.
South Africa’s senior national team had been scheduled to depart from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday aboard a chartered flight to Mexico.
However, the trip was delayed because a substantial number of players and staff members were still awaiting the necessary travel documentation. FARPost understands that about 20 members of the travelling delegation have not yet received their visas, despite some applications having been submitted as early as February.
The delay comes at a crucial stage in Bafana Bafana’s preparations. Had the team departed as originally planned, they would have arrived in Mexico on Monday, 1 June, allowing several days for training, acclimatisation and tactical work ahead of their scheduled friendly against Jamaica on Friday.
With chartered flights between South Africa and Mexico taking approximately 18 to 22 hours, any delay significantly reduces the team’s preparation time ahead of its international commitments.
The visa challenges appear to have affected a large proportion of the squad and technical staff. Notably, several Mamelodi Sundowns players are unaffected, having received 10-year United States visas during the club’s participation in last year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Among those understood to already possess valid visas are Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams, Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau. Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Olwethu Makhanya hold US work visas, as they ply their trade in the MLS, and are unaffected.
BAFANA BAFANA HOPING TO TRAVEL IN THE NEW WEEK
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is also unaffected by the issue. As a Belgian citizen, Broos is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of participating countries to enter the US for short stays after obtaining approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation [ESTA].
However, several members of the technical team are believed to still be awaiting travel clearance, further complicating logistics for the national side.
The travel disruption raises concerns over South Africa’s preparations ahead of the World Cup, with the team facing a compressed training schedule should the visa situation not be resolved quickly.
According to reports, the delays may be linked to administrative challenges during the visa application process, although no official explanation has yet been provided by the relevant authorities.
Bafana Bafana are set to begin their World Cup campaign against hosts Mexico on 11 June. The opening fixture is expected to be one of the biggest matches in South African football history, making every day of preparation increasingly valuable as the countdown to kick-off continues.
The South African Football Association will be hoping the outstanding visas are processed urgently to allow the squad to travel and resume its preparations without further disruption.
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.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 31, 2026
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