South Africa's World Cup delegation reaches Mexico after visa delay

The South African delegation for the 2026 World Cup has finally departed for Mexico, arriving a day later than scheduled due to issues with the timely issuance of visas. The South African Football Federation (SAFA) confirmed the team's departure on Monday, acknowledging the delay.

"While the delay in visa issuance has resulted in the loss of a useful day for the team... SAFA is satisfied with the resolution of the matter and that the team's schedule remains well on track," the federation stated in a release. SAFA had faced significant criticism in recent days over the visa situation, including from the South African government, and has "offered its apologies to the nation for this delay."

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While the delay in visa issuance has resulted in the loss of a useful day for the team... SAFA is satisfied with the resolution of the matter and that the team's schedule remains well on track.

The initial departure, planned for Sunday, was postponed at the last minute because four members of the delegation had not received their visas in time. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie had demanded explanations and promised action against those responsible for the "chaos."

The Bafana Bafana, as the South African national team is known, are set to establish their base in Mexico. They are scheduled to play their opening match against the host nation on June 11 in Mexico City. As part of Group A, they will then travel to Atlanta, United States, to face the Czech Republic on June 18, before returning to Monterrey, Mexico, for their final group stage match against South Korea on June 25.

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SAFA has "offered its apologies to the nation for this delay."