South Africa's Bafana Bafana have had their planned departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico thrown into disarray after visa complications forced a postponement of their travel date.

The squad had been due to fly out on Sunday, with their opening group-stage clash against hosts Mexico set for 11 June. However, the majority of the players and technical staff are still awaiting their visas — leaving head coach Hugo Broos as reportedly the only member of the travelling party to have secured his documentation.

Altitude camp plans under threat

The delay strikes at the heart of Bafana Bafana's pre-tournament strategy. The squad had mapped out a 10-day altitude training camp ahead of the competition, a plan that now risks being significantly disrupted depending on how swiftly the visa situation is resolved.

A warm-up match against Jamaica was also pencilled into Broos' schedule as a final tune-up before the World Cup gets under way. That fixture, too, now hangs in the balance.

Fans vent frustration online

The development has triggered an outpouring of anger from South African supporters, many of whom have taken to social media to voice their displeasure. Team manager Vincent Tseka has drawn particular criticism, with fans questioning how visa arrangements were allowed to fall so far behind this close to departure.

With fewer than two weeks remaining before Bafana Bafana's World Cup opener against Mexico, the focus inside the camp will be on resolving the administrative crisis quickly enough to salvage their carefully laid preparations.