SAFA scrambles to get Bafana to Mexico after visa setback

Hugo Broos and his travelling party were scheduled to leave for Mexico on Sunday ahead of the opening game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June.

Bafana's departure was delayed due to a visa issue affecting a significant number of the group.

Part of a SAFA statement read: "The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to update the nation on Bafana Bafana’s travel plans to Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"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."