South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie has lashed out at the South African Football Association (Safa) after an administrative failure left several Bafana Bafana players without the visas needed to travel to Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

National broadcaster SABC described the episode as an "administrative bungle," though no specific details were disclosed. McKenzie made no effort to conceal his frustration, taking to X to demand accountability.

"We are being made to look like fools," McKenzie wrote. He also called the situation "embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff," adding that he had instructed Safa to produce a full report and that action must be taken against those responsible. Safa had not responded publicly at the time of publication.

Scramble for US visas

According to TimesLive, South African officials were working urgently to secure US visas for the squad, with hopes of getting the team on a flight either late Sunday or on Monday. The US entry permission is critical — Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play their second World Cup group stage fixture against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.

South Africa first face Jamaica in a warm-up friendly in Mexico on Friday, their final preparation match before the tournament begins in earnest. That match takes on added significance given Bafana Bafana's recent form: the team are on a four-game winless run, following a flat 0-0 draw at home against Nicaragua — a result that included a missed penalty and drew widespread criticism.

A historic return to the World Cup stage

The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks South Africa's return to football's biggest stage for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament on home soil. They are among 10 African nations competing in the expanded 48-team edition of the competition, which is co-hosted by Mexico, the US, and Canada.

Bafana Bafana open their World Cup campaign against Mexico — one of the host nations — on 11 June. With tensions running high off the pitch and form uncertain on it, the visa crisis could not have come at a worse time for a squad that desperately needs calm and confidence ahead of the tournament.