South Africa’s World Cup squad grounded as Mexican visa delays trigger government censure

The South African national football team’s departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was interrupted on Sunday when their chartered flight from Johannesburg to Mexico City remained grounded due to unresolved visa issues. The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that challenges regarding visas for some players and officials destined for Mexico prevented the squad from travelling to North America as originally planned.

The delay has drawn sharp criticism from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who condemned the situation on social media platform X as “embarrassing and grossly unfair.” McKenzie stated that the administration was “being made to look like fools,” highlighting the political sensitivity of the issue just days before the team’s scheduled opening match against co-hosts Mexico on June 11.

In response to the minister’s comments and the logistical impasse, SAFA called an emergency committee meeting later on Sunday to discuss the matter. The association issued a media release confirming that the group would continue training in Johannesburg until the visa situation is resolved and departure is authorised. SAFA emphasised that it is working around the clock to ensure the team reaches Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening fixture at the Estadio Azteca.

The incident has sparked public scrutiny regarding the timing of the team’s preparations. The squad received a grand public sendoff in Johannesburg on Saturday, an event that social media users questioned given that officials were aware visas had not yet been issued for all members. The team, known as Bafana Bafana, is making its first appearance in the tournament since hosting the 2010 World Cup.

Head coach Hugo Broos announced a 26-man squad on Wednesday, which included two uncapped players. Following the delay, the team is scheduled to play a warm-up friendly against Jamaica on June 5 before facing Mexico. South Africa’s group stage concludes with matches against Czechia on June 18 and South Korea on June 24.

Similar visa-related logistical challenges have been reported for other delegations, notably Iran’s World Cup squad. Members of the Iranian team have faced delays regarding visas for the United States, where they are scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15. FIFA has informed the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) that administrative work is in progress and visas will be issued this week. Iran has since relocated its team’s base camp from Arizona to Mexico.