South Africa's Bafana Bafana team departure for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was delayed from Sunday to Monday after visa complications left at least 20 team members stranded. While all players received their US visas, assistant coach, team doctor, head of security, and one analyst still have outstanding visa issues, forcing the charter flight's postponement.

The delayed Mexico departure affects South Africa's preparation for their World Cup opener against Mexico on June 11. Head coach Hugo Broos had planned a 10-day training camp in Mexico for acclimatization, but the team will instead continue training in Johannesburg until their Monday departure. This follows recent administrative problems including a 3-point qualifying deduction for fielding a suspended player.

The visa saga represents another setback for Bafana Bafana, who despite administrative hurdles secured their World Cup place in October qualifying. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie initially called the situation 'embarrassing' but confirmed the team would depart Monday after players received their visas. The team's World Cup preparations now face significant disruption.