South Africa's WC arrival delayed by visa issues
Key takeaways
- The SABC broke the news of the flight delay on Saturday night.
- All @BafanaBafana players received their visas to travel to the USA, outstanding is assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst.
- Bafana Bafana were scheduled to play a friendly against Jamaica in Mexico prior to kicking off the World Cup against tournament co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on June 11.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Hugo Broos and team were forced to stay grounded for an extra two days after visa issues delayed South Africa's departure for the World Cup. Phill Magakoe / AFP via Getty Images Leonard Solms Multiple Authors May 31, 2026, 12:38 PM ETEmail Print Open Extended Reactions South Africa's flight from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport to Mexico for the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to land on Sunday morning, was delayed, the South African Football Association confirmed. It was rebooked for Monday morning.
The SABC broke the news of the flight delay on Saturday night. SABC later reported that at least 20 of the travelling contingent -- mostly, but not only players -- were still having their visas processed by the United States Embassy, while technical team members have had visas declined.
On X, South Africa Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie initially slammed the "embarrassing" saga and said: "We are being made to look like fools," but subsequently wrote on the platform on Sunday evening: "All Bafana Bafana players received their visas to travel to the USA, outstanding is assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave [Monday]."