SAFA is working around the clock to resolve a logistical nightmare after admitting that Bafana Bafana were unable to jet off to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday morning as initially planned.
The travel hitch has already sparked immense public backlash, drawing the ire of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who is demanding immediate answers from the football governing body
Bafana Bafana are set to open their campaign with a Group A clash against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June. Head coach Hugo Broos recently named his 26-man squad ahead of the tournament.
The squad will be based in Pachuca, Mexico and conduct their training sessions at the Universidad del Fútbol campus.
However, their travelling arrangements hit a setback on Sunday after some of the players and officials were unable to receive their visas to travel. The news has received a backlash from South Africas with the Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie also demanding answers.
SAFA CONFIRM BAFANA BAFANA FACING VISA PROBLEMS AHEAD OF WORLD CUP
In a statement issued on Sunday confirming that an emergency Committee Meeting will also be held on Sunday evening regarding issue.
“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,” said SAFA.
EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MEETING CALLED TO DELIBERATE WAY FORWARD
“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,” they said.
“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.”
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