The South African Football Association (Safa) has confirmed that the majority of Bafana Bafana players and technical staff have received their US visas, and the team’s plane is scheduled to depart for the 2026 World Cup on Monday.

Only four members—assistant coach Helman Mkhalele, the team doctor, head of security, and one analyst—are still awaiting their visas, though Safa is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure they can join the chartered flight.The delay, caused by an administrative error within Safa, forced the squad to miss their originally planned departure on Sunday.

Safa apologised to the nation and expressed gratitude to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and the US Consulate in Johannesburg for their swift assistance.Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the mishap on social media, calling it embarrassing and unfair to players and staff.Despite the delayed travel, the team’s preparation remains on track.Bafana Bafana will play their opening World Cup match against co-host Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June.

Coach Hugo Broos had hoped to arrive at least ten days earlier to acclimatise to the high-altitude conditions, as Mexico City sits at 2,240 metres, while their training base in Pachuca is even higher at 2,430 metres.

Safa has also set up a three-member organising committee to manage any administrative or logistical issues during the tournament, ensuring smooth operations for the team throughout the World Cup.