World Cup 2026: Bafana Bafana Stranded, Fail To Travel To Mexico

World Cup 2026: Bafana Bafana Stranded, Fail To Travel To Mexico 

Sampson Adedeji 

South Africa's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a setback after visa-related issues prevented part of the squad and officials from travelling to North America as scheduled, BSNSports.com.ng reports

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that several players and members of the technical delegation encountered visa challenges, forcing the team to postpone its planned departure on Saturday morning.

SAFA said efforts are ongoing to resolve the situation and ensure the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of their opening match of the tournament against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.

Despite the travel disruption, the association expressed confidence that the team's preparations would remain on course. 

Bafana Bafana will continue training in Johannesburg while arrangements are being finalized for their departure.

The South African side is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Mexico and will be hoping the visa issues are resolved quickly to allow the team adequate time to acclimatize before the tournament opener.