South Africa's Visa Hurdle: Road to World Cup Dramatics

South Africa's national football team faces a delayed departure for the World Cup due to visa issues. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticized SAFA's handling of the paperwork, delaying their training schedule. An emergency meeting was called while the team prepares for its first appearance at the finals since 2010.

Devdiscourse News Desk | * Team's Planned Sunday Departure Delayed By Visa Issues * Charter Flight Will Leave For Mexico On Monday* S Africa Due To Open World Cup Against Co-Hosts (Updates With Team Leaving A Day Late) By Nick ‌Saidcape Town | Updated: 31-05-2026 22:49 IST | Created: 31-05-2026 22:49 IST

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South Africa's national football team's participation in the World Cup faced unexpected delays due to visa complications, as confirmed by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie on Sunday.

The team was set to depart for Mexico on Sunday but was postponed due to unresolved paperwork issues, drawing criticism from McKenzie towards the South African Football Association (SAFA).

An emergency meeting was held to address these challenges as the team gears up for its first global finals since hosting in 2010, starting with a match against Jamaica in Mexico.