South Africa delays World Cup trip over visa issues

By Favour Ulebor & Agency Report

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s national football team has postponed its departure for the FIFA World Cup after visa challenges disrupted travel arrangements for several players and officials.

The team had been scheduled to leave Johannesburg on Sunday for a training camp in Mexico ahead of the tournament, but the trip was delayed after multiple members of the delegation failed to secure visas in time.

In a statement, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that it was facing difficulties obtaining travel documents for some players and team officials.

SAFA said efforts were ongoing to resolve the issue and ensure the squad departs for Mexico City as soon as possible.

“We are working around the clock to make sure the team travels to Mexico City at the earliest opportunity,” the association said.

The football governing body also disclosed that an emergency meeting would be held later on Sunday to address the situation.

Local media reports indicated that visas for at least 20 members of the delegation were still being processed at the United States Embassy in Johannesburg.

Reacting to the development, South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, described the situation as embarrassing and unfair to players and technical staff.

In a post on X, McKenzie said he had demanded explanations and insisted that those responsible must be held accountable.

Popularly known as Bafana Bafana, South Africa is drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea.

The team is returning to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years and is set to open its campaign against Mexico on June 11.

South Africa played a goalless draw with Nicaragua in a friendly match in Soweto on Friday and is scheduled to face Jamaica in another warm-up fixture on June 5.

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