Bafana Bafana set for World Cup departure after visa delay resolved

South Africa had planned to leave OR Tambo International Airport on a charter flight to Mexico on Sunday morning, but travel arrangements were disrupted when several players and officials were unable to obtain visas in time.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed on Sunday that the situation affecting the players had been resolved and that the national team would now travel to North America a day later than planned.

"All Bafana players received their visas to travel to the USA, outstanding is assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave tomorrow," McKenzie said on social media.

While welcoming the breakthrough, McKenzie criticised the circumstances that led to the delay and called for accountability.

"I have informed SAFA that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools," he said.

The South African Football Association had earlier confirmed that visa-related challenges affecting several players and officials prevented the squad from travelling as originally scheduled.

The resolution comes as a significant relief for coach Hugo Broos and his squad, who are entering the final phase of preparations for the tournament.

Bafana will head to Mexico City ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June. Before beginning their campaign, South Africa are scheduled to face Jamaica in a final warm-up match on 5 June.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, with Bafana Bafana now able to focus fully on their preparations after overcoming the visa setback.