Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been delayed due to visa complications days before their opening match against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June 2026. Image: SABC Sports
Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico has been postponed due to visa complications. The South African senior men’s team was scheduled to depart on Sunday 31 May 2026. However, visa issues have grounded the squad days before their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match. This Bafana Bafana visa crisis has sent shockwaves through South African football just 13 days before kick-off against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The Bafana Bafana Visa Crisis Explained
The South African Football Association confirmed that the team’s scheduled Sunday 31 May departure has been postponed. The delay is linked to visa complications affecting members of the squad and travelling party. SAFA had not confirmed the full details of the visa issues at the time of publication. However, the development is deeply concerning given the tight timeline before Bafana’s opening World Cup match.
Bafana Bafana face Mexico on Wednesday 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. As a result, every day of delay reduces the team’s preparation time in Mexico ahead of one of the biggest matches in South African football history. Furthermore, the team was scheduled to face Jamaica in Mexico as part of their final preparations before the tournament begins.
The Context Behind the Visa Complications
The visa difficulties facing Bafana Bafana are not entirely surprising given the broader travel challenges surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Trump administration previously paused visa applications to implement stricter vetting procedures. As a result, South Africans may face intense scrutiny given the currently strained diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington.
Furthermore, South Africa and the United States have had a tense diplomatic relationship in recent months. However, the visa complications affecting Bafana relate specifically to Mexico rather than the USA. Mexico requires South African passport holders to obtain visas before travelling. Therefore, any delays in processing those visas directly impact the team’s ability to depart on schedule.
The Worst Possible Timing
The timing of this crisis could not be worse for Hugo Broos and his squad. Bafana Bafana played their final home warm-up match against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on Friday 29 May 2026, drawing 0-0. Broos rested his Mamelodi Sundowns players who only returned from Morocco on Tuesday 26 May 2026 following the CAF Champions League final victory over AS FAR. As a result, the squad is only now fully assembled and ready to travel.
The delay also disrupts the team’s acclimatisation plans. Mexico City sits at an altitude of 2,240 metres above sea level. Therefore, arriving as early as possible to acclimatise was a key part of Bafana’s World Cup preparation strategy. Every day lost to the visa delay makes that acclimatisation challenge more difficult.
SAFA Working to Resolve the Crisis
The South African Football Association confirmed it was working urgently to resolve the visa complications and get the squad airborne as soon as possible. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have been alerted to assist with facilitating the necessary documentation. SAFA indicated it expected to provide a further update on the situation shortly.
South Africans online have reacted with alarm and frustration. Commentary across social media reflects concern that administrative complications could derail the country’s most significant World Cup preparation since qualification was confirmed. Many have called on government departments to intervene urgently and ensure the squad can depart at the earliest possible opportunity.
Bafana’s World Cup Group and Schedule
Bafana Bafana are drawn in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside co-hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Korea. Their matches are as follows. They face Mexico on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 10pm SAST. They then face Czechia on 18 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 6pm SAST. Their final group game is against South Korea on 25 June at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe at 3am SAST.
Mzansi Today Live will continue to follow this breaking story and provide updates as the situation develops.
For the latest official updates from SAFA visit safa.net.
Read our earlier coverage: Mamelodi Sundowns Are Champions of Africa Again.
Editors Note This is a developing story. SAFA had not confirmed the full details of the visa complications at the time of publication. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.