🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Bafana Bafana visa issue resolved, Minister McKenzie thanks US Embassy for expedited travel documents
via The Citizen2 min read
South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture has thanked the United States Embassy in South Africa for expediting travel documents for the Bafana Bafana team. All players secured their US visas and departed for the 2026 Fifa World Cup training base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Monday, a day later than initially scheduled. The delay was due to an administrative lapse that left several players without the required paperwork. Minister McKenzie stated that the fault was entirely on the South African side, rejecting criticism directed at the US Consulate. The Iranian Embassy in South Africa commented on the situation, claiming the US failed to issue visas, a claim rejected by the US Embassy in South Africa. The South African Football Association Safa apologized for the unexpected travel delays and thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Dirco and the US Consulate in Johannesburg for their assistance. Much of the blame for the delays was directed at Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka. President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to unite behind the national football team as it prepares to face Mexico in the Fifa World Cup opener on June 11, 2026. The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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