World Cup 2026: Over 20 Bafana Bafana contingents without visas ahead of tournament

South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback after more than 20 members of the Bafana Bafana camp were left stranded by visa delays, forcing the national team to postpone its scheduled departure to Mexico.

Coach Hugo Broos and his squad had been expected to leave OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening aboard a charter flight to Mexico City before travelling to their World Cup base camp in Pachuca.

However, administrative complications involving travel documents have disrupted those plans at a crucial stage of the team’s preparations.

The majority of those affected are believed to be players, with more than 20 members of the travelling party still awaiting the processing of their visas. The delay has left the South African Football Association (SAFA) racing against time to secure the necessary documentation and avoid further disruption to the team’s World Cup programme.

The situation has reportedly been worsened by the rejection of visa applications for some members of the technical staff, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. SAFA officials are understood to be working behind the scenes to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

The delay comes as Broos seeks to maximise every available day ahead of South Africa’s first appearance at the FIFA World Cup since 2010. The Belgian coach had hoped to use the team’s stay in Mexico to fine-tune tactics, improve fitness levels and help players adapt to local conditions before the start of the tournament.

A key part of those preparations is a planned friendly match against Jamaica on June 5, which is expected to provide valuable match practice before the group stage begins. Any further delays could impact the team’s training schedule and overall readiness for the competition.

Bafana Bafana face a challenging task at the tournament after being drawn in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Korea. South Africa’s opening match is scheduled for June 11 against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, a venue steeped in World Cup history.

The latest setback is likely to reignite concerns over administrative shortcomings within South African football. In recent years, the national team has been affected by a number of off-field controversies, including the costly error involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the World Cup qualifying campaign.

South Africa were penalised after Mokoena featured in a qualifier against Lesotho despite being suspended, resulting in FIFA deducting points from the team. The incident drew widespread criticism and highlighted concerns about internal processes and communication.

Despite those challenges, Bafana Bafana produced an impressive qualifying campaign to secure their place at the World Cup. Broos guided the team to the top of their group ahead of Nigeria, Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, earning praise for transforming the side into one of Africa’s most competitive national teams.

With the tournament fast approaching, attention has now shifted to resolving the visa complications and ensuring the squad can travel to Mexico without further delay. South African supporters will be hoping the issue is settled swiftly so the focus can return to football as Bafana Bafana prepare for their long-awaited return to the world’s biggest sporting stage.