South Africa’s national soccer team — set to face South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — sparked an embarrassing episode after visa problems forced a one-day delay to their trip to Mexico.
The squad, due to play host nation Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, had planned to depart on June 1 (Korean time). However, some players and members of the coaching staff were still awaiting U.S. visas, and the team could not leave as scheduled.
Players remained in Johannesburg and continued training while officials scrambled to fix the situation. They managed to resolve part of the problem and moved the departure to June 2, but by then four staff members — a coach, the team doctor, the safety officer and a performance analyst — still had not received visas, leaving the delegation in limbo.
The South African Football Association acknowledged problems in the visa process but declined to provide detailed explanations.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticized the handling on social media, calling it “a catastrophe” caused by an administrative error at the South African Football Association (SAFA) and saying it “made us look like fools.” He demanded an explanation and said those responsible must face strict measures.
The embarrassment extended to the pitch. Coached by Belgium’s Hugo Broos, South Africa drew 0-0 with Nicaragua (FIFA rank 131) in a friendly at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on May 30. Despite controlling much of the match, they failed to score and left roughly 30,000 home fans disappointed.
South Africa (FIFA rank 60) returns to the World Cup for the first time in about 16 years since hosting in 2010. They are grouped in Group A with South Korea (25), the Czech Republic (41) and Mexico (15). South Africa will face South Korea in their final group match on June 25 at 10 a.m. KST.
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