Bafana Bafana’s planned departure for their 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations has been delayed following complications with US transit visas for members of the squad and technical staff.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that the team was originally scheduled to fly by charter to their training base in Pachuca, Mexico on Sunday, but the journey was postponed to Monday while administrative issues were being resolved.According to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, all players have now successfully received their US transit visas.

However, several key members of the backroom staff, including the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security, and one performance analyst, are still awaiting clearance.

McKenzie strongly criticised SAFA’s handling of the situation, describing it as embarrassing and unfair to the national team, and said the delay made the country “look like fools”.

SAFA acknowledged the disruption, attributing it to ongoing challenges with visa processing, and confirmed that an emergency meeting had been convened to address the matter and avoid further delays.

Head coach Hugo Broos had planned for the squad to arrive in Mexico by 1 June to allow adequate time for recovery from travel fatigue and to acclimatise to altitude conditions in Pachuca, which sits at 2,432 metres above sea level.The team’s World Cup preparations remain on track despite the setback.

South Africa are scheduled to face Jamaica in a final warm-up match before heading into Group A fixtures against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on 18 June and South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June.

Their opening World Cup match will take place in Mexico City on 11 June, marking South Africa’s first appearance at the tournament since hosting it in 2010.