Players left stranded as travel documents hold up team’s journey to Mexico ahead of tournament opener.
Image: The New York Tmes
South Africa’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been delayed due to visa issues affecting several players.
The team was scheduled to fly to its training base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Sunday. However, the trip was postponed after some squad members failed to receive their travel documents.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the situation, calling it embarrassing and unfair to the players and coaching staff. He also demanded a report from the South African Football Association (Safa).
South Africa will face co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup opener on June 11. The tournament marks the nation’s first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Officials are now racing to resolve the visa problems before the team’s opening match.
