South Africa’s World Cup 2026 departure delayed over Mexican visa debacle
Summary
South Africa’s men’s soccer team has postponed its trip to Mexico for the 2026 World Cup due to delayed visas for some players and staff. The team will stay in Johannesburg to train until the visa issues are resolved and they can travel to Mexico City for the opening match.Key Facts
- South Africa’s team, known as Bafana Bafana, was supposed to fly to Mexico City on Sunday but could not depart due to visa delays.
- The team will play Mexico in the World Cup opening game on June 11 at Estadio Azteca.
- The South African Football Association (SAFA) is working to solve the visa problems quickly.
- The team will keep training in Johannesburg until they can leave.
- The squad held a public sendoff in Johannesburg before their planned departure.
- South Africa will play warm-up games including one against Jamaica on June 5.
- Other teams, like Iran, are also facing visa problems for their World Cup matches in the United States.
- South Africa’s Sports Minister called the visa delay “embarrassing and grossly unfair.”
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