Bafana Bafana have arrived safely in Mexico ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 after resolving the visa issues that delayed the team’s departure from South Africa.
The squad travelled to North America on Monday night after initially being scheduled to leave on Sunday.
The 24-hour delay was caused by visa complications affecting members of the travelling party.
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Emergency meeting
The South African Football Association (SAFA) held an emergency committee meeting on Sunday to address the matter and work with the relevant authorities to secure the necessary travel documentation.
Following the meeting, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed that all players had received their visas, clearing the way for the squad to travel.
SAFA later revealed that only a handful of members of the delegation were still awaiting visas, with efforts continuing to ensure they could join the team as soon as possible.
Assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and head of security Mduduzi Mbatha did not travel with the main group and are expected to arrive in Mexico on Wednesday after receiving their visas.
To strengthen operational coordination during the tournament, SAFA has also established a three-member organising committee to oversee the team’s administrative affairs throughout the World Cup.
The committee consists of head of delegation David Molwantwa, SAFA finance committee chairperson Mxolisi Sibam and team manager Vincent Tseka.
According to SAFA, the group will be responsible for ensuring that any logistical or administrative matters arising during the tournament are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Campaign remains firmly on track
The association acknowledged that the visa delays resulted in the loss of a valuable day in the team’s travel and preparation schedule, but maintained that the World Cup campaign remains firmly on track.
SAFA also thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the US Consulate in Johannesburg for their assistance in resolving the matter.
Bafana Bafana are now expected to continue their preparations in Mexico ahead of their final warm-up fixture against Jamaica on Friday before turning their attention to their opening World Cup match on Thursday, 11 June.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures
- Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 (SA time)
- Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 (SA time)
- Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 (SA time)
DIARISE | Full FIFA World Cup 2026 calendar: All 104 games and dates