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South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie stated the national team was "made to look like fools" after the squad encountered significant delays traveling to their World Cup training base in Pachuca, Mexico, stemming from visa complications ahead of the tournament.
"This [South African Football Association] travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff," McKenzie wrote on X early Sunday. "I have informed SAFA that I need a report, and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools."
SAFA acknowledged the team had "experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials," while declining to elaborate further.
The situation has since been resolved, with McKenzie posting an update nine hours later confirming all players had obtained their visas to enter the U.S., with departure on a charter flight set for Monday — one day behind the original schedule. However, the "assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst" are still awaiting their visas.
South Africa is preparing to compete in its first men's World Cup since it hosted the event in 2010, and will feature in the tournament's opening fixture at the Estadio Banorte in Mexico City on June 11 against Mexico — mirroring the same matchup from 2010's opening game. The team will then head to the U.S. to take on Czechia in Atlanta on June 18, before wrapping up Group A action against South Korea back in Mexico, in Monterrey.
Other Nations Facing Challenges
South Africa is merely the latest team to encounter difficulties traveling to North America for the expanded 48-team World Cup being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Beyond securing Mexican entry visas, the squad also requires clearance to enter the U.S. for their second group stage match.
South Africa is not alone in its struggles — several other national teams have faced obstacles entering North America. The DR Congo squad has been instructed to isolate by U.S. authorities due to the Ebola outbreak in their region, despite none of the players having visited the affected area in recent months and their pre-tournament training camp having been moved to Belgium. Iranian officials and team personnel have similarly encountered difficulties obtaining visas, amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S.
Beyond players and staff, supporters from various countries are also running into travel hurdles. The Canada Border Services Agency issued a reminder on Saturday, stating that "There is no special FIFA visa," and that "a FIFA World Cup ticket is not a ticket into the country."
Following the South Africa vs. Mexico opener, the first day of competition will also feature Czechia taking on South Korea. The second day will see co-host Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while the U.S. square off against Paraguay in Los Angeles.