South Africa’s FIFA World Cup preparations have received a boost after the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that Bafana Bafana will depart for Mexico on Monday following the successful processing of visas for all players.
The team’s travel plans were thrown into uncertainty over the weekend after visa-related challenges prevented the squad from leaving as originally scheduled on Sunday.
The delay sparked widespread criticism and concern, with South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie describing the situation as “embarrassing” and saying the country had been “made to look like fools” ahead of the global tournament.
In a statement released after an Emergency Committee Meeting held on Sunday night, SAFA confirmed that visas had been secured for all players, while only four members of the wider delegation were still awaiting clearance.
The association said it was working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the remaining officials also travel to North America as soon as possible.
To strengthen operational coordination during the tournament, SAFA has established a three-member organising committee to oversee the team’s administrative affairs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The committee comprises Head of Delegation David Molwantwa, SAFA Finance Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Sibam and Team Manager Vincent Tseka.
According to SAFA, the committee will be responsible for ensuring that any logistical or administrative issues that arise during the tournament are addressed quickly and efficiently.
While acknowledging that the visa delays cost the team valuable preparation time, SAFA said it was satisfied that the matter had been substantially resolved and that the team’s World Cup plans remain firmly on track.
The association also apologised to South Africans for the disruption and thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as well as the United States Consulate in Johannesburg for their assistance in securing the necessary travel documents.
The visa saga attracted international attention after reports emerged that several players and officials had been unable to obtain the required documentation in time for the team’s scheduled departure.
The delay forced Bafana Bafana to continue training in Johannesburg while officials worked to resolve the issue. Reuters reported that the outstanding visas were for the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play a final warm-up match against Jamaica later this week before opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. South Africa will also face the Czech Republic and South Korea in Group A.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
South Africa World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Samukele Kabini (Molde/Norway), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union/USA), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire/USA), Ime Okon (Hannover/Germany)
Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane (all Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/Portugal)
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (both Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley/England), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol/Cyprus), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns)
Post a comment