Bafana Bafana left for Mexico on Monday after the South African Football Association secured visas for the bulk of the squad following a weekend scramble that delayed the team’s travel plans.
SAFA held an emergency committee meeting on Sunday night, 31 May, to discuss the situation. The association revealed that visas for four members of the camp were still outstanding but said it was working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure they also board a flight to North America.
The association thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the US Consulate in Johannesburg for their intervention over the weekend.
“SAFA apologises to the nation for these unexpected travel delays and would like to thank DIRCO for their assistance, as well as the US Consulate in Johannesburg who went beyond their call of duty over the weekend to ensure that the visas were issued for all our players to travel,” the association said.
SAFA also announced the formation of a three-member organising committee to manage the team’s administrative affairs during the tournament. The committee comprises Head of Delegation David Molwantwa, Finance Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Sibam and Team Manager Vincent Tseka.
The three will work together to ensure that any logistical or administrative matters arising during the tournament are dealt with swiftly.
SAFA said that while the visa delays cost the team a valuable day in its preparation schedule, the matter had been substantially resolved and the team’s World Cup plans remained on course.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
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