The South African Football Association apologised after a visa processing error delayed Bafana Bafana’s departure for their 2026 FIFA World Cup base in Mexico. The team had been scheduled to fly on 31 May but left a day late, with two staff members still awaiting clearance.
Bafana Bafana missed their planned flight on Sunday 31 May after Safa failed to complete the visa applications on time. The squad departed Johannesburg the following day, though assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and head of security Mdu Mbatha remained behind.
Safa issued a statement thanking the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the US Consulate in Johannesburg for resolving the issue over the weekend. The two remaining staff members later received their visas and were expected to join the team shortly.
Association president Danny Jordaan said the experienced players would treat the setback as added motivation. South Africa will face Mexico, South Korea and Czechia in Group A, with their opening match against the co-hosts in Pachuca.
