South Africa’s national team was forced to postpone its flight from Johannesburg to Mexico at the last minute after several players were still unable to obtain the visas required to enter the country.
Before their scheduled departure, the squad took part in a farewell event with supporters. However, as preparations to travel to Mexico were underway, issues with immigration paperwork emerged.
The African side had been due to arrive on Sunday to begin a 10-day high-altitude training camp in Pachuca.
One of South Africa’s primary objectives was to acclimatise well in advance to the conditions it will face in Mexico. The plan was designed to help players adjust to the time difference as well as the physical demands of competing at altitude.
The team had hoped to arrive several days before its opening match against Mexico, scheduled for Thursday, 11 June, at Estadio Ciudad de México.
🤯🇿🇦 RIVALS WATCH: South Africa couldn’t beat NICARAGUA in today’s friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico will be facing South Africa on June 11th in the opening game at the Estadio Azteca. 🏟️🏆 pic.twitter.com/WIJzMmh9mS
— All Fútbol MX 🇲🇽 (@AllFutbolMX) May 29, 2026
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