World Cup 2026: Relief for South Africa as players and officials secure visas for Mexico trip

South Africa are now expected to depart for Mexico on Monday after a major breakthrough in their visa complications.

The Bafana Bafana were scheduled to fly out on Sunday morning to begin their final phase of preparations for the 2026 World Cup tournament, but the departure was halted after several players and officials reportedly failed to secure visas in time.

The incident triggered widespread criticism and concern, including South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and South African FA.

Giving update, McKenzie disclosed majority of the travelling party have now been issued visas, clearing the way for the team to finally continue their long-awaited preparations in North America.

However, McKenzie noted that a small number of staff members are still awaiting clearance. These include the team’s head of security, medical doctor, analyst, and one assistant coach whose identity was not disclosed.

The assistant coach in question is believed to be either Grant Johnson or Helman Mkhalele, both of whom serve as part of head coach Hugo Broos’s technical team.

Despite the remaining delays, the development represents a significant step forward for Bafana Bafana, who were forced to halt their travel plans at the last minute due to the visa issues.

The breakthrough is expected to restore stability to the team’s World Cup preparations, which had been disrupted at a crucial stage just days before their scheduled friendly assignments.

Bafana Bafana are set to face Jamaica national football team in a warm-up match on Friday, a fixture that will serve as an important final test before the start of the tournament.

South Africa will then open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against hosts Mexico national football team on June 11, a high-profile encounter at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

The resolution of the visa situation will come as a major relief to Broos and his technical staff, who had been forced to adjust plans amid uncertainty over travel timelines.

Attention will now shift back to football matters as the squad finally looks set to assemble in full for the final phase of preparations ahead of the global tournament.