'Made to look like fools': South Africa's World Cup preparations hit by visa chaos 11 days before opener
South Africa’s World Cup preparations have been disrupted after visa issues delayed Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico just 11 days before the 2026 tournament. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the setback as “embarrassing,” while SAFA worked to resolve the situation. Although clearance was later granted for players, the delay cost valuable training time ahead of their Group A fixtures.
South Africa’s World Cup preparations have been disrupted after visa issues delayed Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico just 11 days before the 2026 tournament. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the setback as “embarrassing,” while SAFA worked to resolve the situation. Although clearance was later granted for players, the delay cost valuable training time ahead of their Group A fixtures.
