South Africa’s national football team has suffered a setback in its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after visa issues delayed the squad’s departure on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The team was scheduled to travel by charter flight to its training base in Pachuca, Mexico, but the trip was postponed indefinitely because some players had not yet received their visas.
South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticized the situation, describing it as “embarrassing” and unfair to players and coaching staff. He demanded a report from the South African Football Association and called for action against those responsible.
South Africa, known as South Africa national football team, are set to make their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010. Their opening match is against co-hosts Mexico national football team in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
The team previously faced an administrative controversy during qualification when a 2-0 victory over Lesotho was overturned after suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded despite being ineligible. Nevertheless, South Africa topped their qualifying group, finishing one point ahead of Nigeria and Benin.
Following the Mexico clash, South Africa will face the Czech Republic national football team in Atlanta on June 18, 2026, before taking on the South Korea national football team in Monterrey on June 24, 2026.