South Africa becomes latest country to face visa issues ahead of 2026 World Cup

The squad faced delays traveling to Mexico, while DR Congo has been told to isolate and Iranian staff struggle to obtain visas

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South Africa has become the latest country to encounter visa difficulties ahead of the 2026 World Cup, adding to a growing list of teams and fans facing travel challenges for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Sports Illustrated, the South African squad experienced delays obtaining travel documents for their training camp in Pachuca, Mexico, prompting sharp criticism from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

"This [South African Football Association] travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff," McKenzie wrote on X early Sunday. "I have informed SAFA that I need a report, and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools."

SAFA acknowledged that some players and staff had faced problems securing their documents but offered no further explanation.

McKenzie later confirmed that all players had received their visas and would depart on a charter flight Monday, one day later than planned. However, four backroom staff, including a coach, medical personnel, and a performance analyst, are still awaiting their documents. Beyond Mexican visas, the team also needs US entry authorization for their second group match.

Other teams facing problems

South Africa is not the only nation encountering difficulties ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The DR Congo squad has been ordered to isolate by the US government due to the Ebola outbreak in the region, despite none of the players having visited affected areas recently and their pre-tournament training camp being moved to Belgium. Iranian officials and team staff have also struggled to obtain visas amid the ongoing conflict with the US.

Fans also affected

Travel challenges extend beyond teams. On Saturday, the Canada Border Services Agency reminded supporters that "There is no special FIFA visa" and that "a FIFA World Cup ticket is not a ticket into the country."

South Africa's tournament schedule

South Africa returns to the men's World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010. The team will face Mexico in the opening match at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City on June 11, repeating the fixture that kicked off the 2010 tournament. They then play Czechia in Atlanta on June 18 before concluding Group A against South Korea in Monterrey.

Opening weekend fixtures

After South Africa versus Mexico, the first day also features Czechia against South Korea. Day two sees co-hosts Canada play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto and the US face Paraguay in Los Angeles.