South Africa’s journey to the 2026 World Cup faced a significant setback on Sunday when players and officials encountered visa hurdles. Originally scheduled to fly to the Mexican city of Pachuca, the team has been grounded, causing ripples across the sporting community.
This delay has prompted sharp criticism from South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who called the situation ’embarrassing and grossly unfair.’ McKenzie stressed that action must be taken against those responsible, as the world watches with anticipation.
As South Africa gears up to kick off the World Cup on June 11 against co-hosts Mexico, fans remain hopeful that officials will swiftly resolve the visa debacle, ensuring a smooth transition to further matches in the U.S. and Mexico.
(With inputs from agencies.)
