Johannesburg – World Cup-bound South Africa departed for Mexico on Monday, a day later than planned after visa delays that were heavily criticised at home, including by the government.
The squad were scheduled to leave on Sunday but were held back at the last minute after it was discovered that four members of the set-up did not have visas, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said.
The team flew out on a chartered flight, an airport official said. They were headed to a training camp ahead of their June 11 match against Mexico in the opening game of the tournament.
Bafana Bafana departed for Mexico without assistant coach Helkman Mkhalele and head of security Mdu Mbatha, who are still waiting for their Visas to be processed by the US Embassy. SAFA President Danny Jordaan has the details.
📹 #SABCSport’s @Velile_Mnyandu #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/6fBw9iDAyZ
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 1, 2026
“While visa delays resulted in the team losing a valuable day in its travel and preparation schedule, SAFA is satisfied that the matter has now been substantially resolved and that the team’s World Cup plans remain firmly on course,” the association said.
“SAFA apologises to the nation for these unexpected travel delays.”
The delay was criticised with deputy minister of sports Peace Mabe telling domestic broadcaster eNCA it was “shocking and embarrassing”.
“This can also impact negatively in the minds and the spirits of the players. Heads must definitely roll,” she said.
The Bafana Bafana team arrive at the OR Tambo International Airport. The 26-man squad are leaving for the Fifa World Cup today on a special chartered flight after their departure to Mexico was delayed by Visa issues. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/YmB7IrPv83
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 1, 2026
Popularly known as Bafana Bafana, South Africa are in Group A with Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea.
They were held to a goalless draw by Nicaragua in a warm-up match in Soweto on Friday and are scheduled to play Jamaica in another friendly on June 5.
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Source: AFP
