Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been delayed due to visa challenges affecting some players and officials, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
The South African senior men’s national team was originally scheduled to travel to North America on Sunday morning as part of its preparations for the global football showpiece. However, SAFA said travel arrangements were disrupted by visa-related issues involving certain members of the travelling delegation.
Despite the setback, SAFA assured the nation that efforts are underway to resolve the matter as a matter of urgency.
“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match,” the association said in a statement.
Bafana Bafana are set to kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign against tournament co-hosts Mexico national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June 2026.
In the meantime, the national team will remain in Johannesburg and continue with its training programme to ensure preparations stay on course.
SAFA also announced that an Emergency Committee Meeting would be held on Sunday evening, 31 May 2026, to address the situation. A further update is expected following the conclusion of the meeting.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026, marking the first time the tournament has been hosted by three countries.
