By Lebone Rodah Mosima and Levy Masiteng
Bafana Bafana were set to depart for Mexico on Monday after all players finally secured their visas on Sunday, easing a tense administrative saga that delayed the national team’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team was originally scheduled to leave for their training base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Sunday morning ahead of their historic return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010.
However, travel plans were abruptly halted after several players and team officials had not yet received the necessary visas required for travel through the United States, one of the tournament’s host countries.
The visa delays sparked widespread criticism, with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie describing the situation as an “embarrassing” and “grossly unfair” administrative failure.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it worked alongside the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the US Consulate in Johannesburg to resolve the matter.
According to reports, by Sunday evening all players had received their visas, although visas for four members of the camp were still outstanding.
Bafana Bafana will travel to Mexico to complete their final preparations for the World Cup, including an international friendly against Jamaica before opening their group campaign against hosts Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June.
Amid the excitement surrounding the team’s expected departure, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has also expanded its “Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition”, giving more South Africans an opportunity to support Bafana Bafana on the global stage.
The department announced on Sunday that an additional 18 supporters would travel to Monterrey, Mexico, to attend Bafana Bafana’s third FIFA World Cup group-stage fixture on 24 June 2026.
The expansion followed the success of the original competition, which selected 20 South African supporters to travel to Mexico City for Bafana Bafana’s opening group-stage clash against Mexico.
With the addition of the Monterrey group, a total of 38 South African supporters have now been confirmed through the DSAC initiative to travel to the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The department said the additional supporter contingent had been made possible through partnerships with Cell C, Old School, HONOR and Betway.
“The announcement follows the overwhelming success and positive national reception of the original competition,” DSAC said.
“That is what this initiative is about. We want Mexico to hear Mzansi. We want every PSL club represented in those stands, and we are grateful to our partners for helping make that possible,” McKenzie added.
“Nothing could have prepared us for the joy this initiative has brought — not only to the lucky fans themselves, but also to the football-loving public across South Africa. South Africans are reliving the spirit of ‘Phillip’ all over again through the passion, humour and energy of the fans who will proudly represent Mzansi in North America.”
According to the department, the 18 supporters travelling to Monterrey will consist of one supporter representing each of the sixteen PSL clubs, as well as two wildcard supporters open to any South African football fan regardless of club affiliation.
Orbit College FC supporters will not be eligible for this phase of the competition, with Kruger United replacing the club for allocation purposes.
The selected supporters will receive fully sponsored packages that include return flights, accommodation, meals, match tickets, ground transfers and travel support.
To enter, supporters must submit a 30-second video showcasing their passion for Bafana Bafana, loyalty to their PSL club, supporter energy and motivation for representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup.
The department said it encouraged all South Africans to participate in the campaign by visiting https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/DSAC and submitting their entries.
The competition opened on Sunday and closes on Tuesday, 2 June.
Winners will be announced by McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe.
“Eligibility is limited to South African citizens and permanent residents aged 18 years and older who hold valid South African passports and are available to travel during June 2026,” the department said.
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