- the trip was pushed back while officials worked to resolve outstanding visa matters
- An emergency meeting was scheduled to review the situation and coordinate the team’s revised travel plans
- Bafana Bafana secured enough points to finish ahead of rivals Nigeria and Benin and book a place at the World Cup
South Africa’s national football team will now begin its journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday after travel arrangements were delayed by visa-related issues involving members of the delegation.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed on Sunday that all players had successfully obtained the required travel documents, clearing the way for the squad’s departure.
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The team had initially been scheduled to leave on Sunday aboard a chartered flight bound for Pachuca, Mexico, where they will hold their pre-tournament training camp.
However, the trip was pushed back while officials worked to resolve outstanding visa matters.
McKenzie disclosed that although the players had received their visas, a few members of the backroom staff, including an assistant coach, team doctor, security chief and an analyst, were still awaiting final clearance.
Earlier, the minister expressed frustration over the situation, criticising the handling of the documentation process and describing the setback as avoidable.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) also acknowledged that visa complications prevented the team from travelling as planned and said discussions were ongoing to finalise arrangements.
An emergency meeting was scheduled to review the situation and coordinate the team’s revised travel plans.
South Africa, popularly known as Bafana Bafana, are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Head coach Hugo Broos had hoped the squad would arrive in Mexico by June 1 to allow players sufficient time to adjust to the altitude and recover from the long journey. The delayed departure means the team will arrive a day later than anticipated.
The team is expected to play Jamaica in a friendly match next week as part of its final preparations before the tournament begins.
South Africa’s qualification campaign was not without controversy. At one stage, concerns emerged after the team fielded an ineligible player in a qualifying match against Lesotho, leading to the result being overturned.
Nevertheless, Bafana Bafana secured enough points to finish ahead of rivals Nigeria and Benin and book a place at the World Cup.
They are set to begin their campaign in Mexico City before taking on the Czech Republic and South Korea in Group A fixtures.
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