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President Cyril Ramaphosa led the nation in rallying behind Bafana Bafana ahead of the FIFA World Cup during their send-off dinner at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on May 27, 2026.
The South African men’s national football team, Bafana Bafana will depart for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas on Monday morning after their visa issues have been almost completely resolved.
Four members of the touring squad are still waiting for visas; the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security, and an analyst.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who had been critical of the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the administrative bungle that led to the delay, posted on X that all the players are now in possession of their travel documents.
All @BafanaBafana players received their visas to travel to the USA, outstanding is assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave tomorrow.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 31, 2026
Bafana were supposed to leave for Mexico early on Sunday morning, but will now leave more than 24 hours later. They’ll take on Jamaica in a warm-up match in Mexico before the opening match of the tournament against the co-hosts in Mexico City on June 11
Related video | Bafana Bafana yet to leave for Mexico
