Bafana Bafana’s travel plans to the FIFA World Cup 2026 suffered a setback due to administrative bungles with visas, but it has since been resolved. The team will fly to North America a day later than planned.
After the South African Football Association (SAFA) blundered Bafana Bafana’s planned departure for their FIFA World Cup 2026 commitments in North America by a day, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed that the team will jet out to the USA on Monday.
Visa Chaos Causes Delay
Bafana Bafana were due to depart from OR Tambo International Airport on a chartered flight to Mexico on Sunday morning, but those plans were scuppered after several players had not been issued with visas, allegedly due to an administrative bungle. Their opening match is scheduled for June 11 against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico, the USA and Canada are co-hosts of the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. According to the FIFA website, the tournament will feature 48 teams competing in eight groups.
McKenzie Demands Answers
McKenzie was furious when he learned about the administrative own goal SAFA had scored, which would affect the Hugo Broos-coached team’s preparations. He labelled the gaffe “embarrassing” and “unfair”. “I have informed SAFA that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools.
This travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff,” he said. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) also stepped in to assist.
Here are some key facts about the situation:
- The team’s departure was delayed by one day due to visa issues.
- The team will now depart on Monday instead of Sunday.
- The opening match is scheduled for June 11 against Mexico.
SAFA has apologized for the inconvenience caused and has promised to take action against those responsible for the mistake.
