SAFA Resolves Mexico Visa Crisis
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that all is now in order, with Bafana Bafana set to depart for Mexico on Monday after visas were secured for all players on Sunday.
Bafana Bafana were originally scheduled to leave for Mexico on Sunday, but were unable to travel after failing to secure all the necessary visas in time for their flight to North America.
The delay prompted SAFA to convene an emergency meeting on Sunday after Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and his deputy, Peace Mabe, criticised the association and warned that those responsible for the administrative blunder would be held accountable.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) held an Emergency Committee Meeting on Sunday night, 31 May 2026, where several issues surrounding the South African senior men’s national team’s delayed travel plans to Mexico were discussed by members,” SAFA said in a statement.
“It was revealed during the meeting that the only outstanding visas were for four members of the camp. SAFA worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that they would also be able to board the flight to North America.
“To strengthen operational coordination during the FIFA World Cup, SAFA can further reveal that a three-member organising committee has been established to manage the team’s administrative affairs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The committee comprises Bafana Bafana Head of Delegation (HOD) David Molwantwa, SAFA Finance Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Sibam, and Team Manager Vincent Tseka.
“The three will work together to ensure that any logistical or administrative matters that may arise during the global tournament are dealt with expeditiously.”
Bafana Bafana will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
“While the visa delays resulted in the team losing a valuable day in its travel and preparation schedule, SAFA is satisfied that the matter has now been substantially resolved and that the team’s World Cup plans remain firmly on course,” the statement continued.
“SAFA apologises to the nation for these unexpected travel delays and would like to thank the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for its assistance, as well as the US Consulate in Johannesburg, which went beyond the call of duty over the weekend to ensure that visas were issued for all our players to travel.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
