South Africa stuck in visa limbo just days before FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA

Bafana Bafana are set to take on Mexico in the World Cup opener!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its final countdown, with every participating nation in its final preparations to compete for the coveted title.

The 2026 edition is set to feature a record 48 teams, ranging from some footballing titans to debutants aiming to make their mark in the tournament. Nations like Curaçao, Uzbekistan and Jordan are set to make their first-ever appearances in the competition, to battle for ultimate glory.

The South Africa national football team will be one such nation with hopes of making massive progress in the new edition. The Bafana Bafana are set to feature in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, the tournament which they hosted. The side is set to play co-hosts Mexico in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 11 June, exactly mirroring the fixture during the 2010 edition.

South Africa will be competing in Group A, which comprises Mexico, South Korea and Czechia. Mexico qualified directly without any fixtures as tournament co-hosts, alongside the USA and Canada. South Korea earned their spot after dominating the AFC qualification group stages. Czechia secured its position after defeating Ireland in a dramatic UEFA play-offs final, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Also Read: South Africa’s final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Lyle Foster

South Africa’s World Cup dreams in doubts

“The South African senior men’s national team has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials, and as a result, the group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned.”

“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match.”

“We remain committed to ensuring that the team’s preparations for the tournament remain on track and, in the meantime, Bafana Bafana will continue to train in Johannesburg until departure”, SAFA clarified in press release.

South Africa’s World Cup hopes are in jeopardy as the side’s departure to Mexico was delayed after a hold-up in the players’ visas. The team was scheduled to travel from Johannesburg to Mexico City on Sunday through a chartered flight.

However, the trip was halted after visas for some squad members were delayed, ultimately forcing the team to abandon the journey. SAFA has clarified in a press release that they are actively working to resolve the issue to provide appropriate training time for the players.

South Africa will face Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.

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