South Africa’s World Cup delegation departs for Mexico without coach

The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, has departed for their World Cup training base in Pachuca, Mexico, after a significant delay. The departure, originally scheduled for Sunday, was postponed due to visa issues for several players and support staff. Assistant coach Helman Mkhalele is among those who have not yet obtained a United States visa and will travel later. The South African Football Association (SAFA) attributed the delay to an administrative bungle and expressed frustration with the US Consulate General in Johannesburg for denying Mkhalele's visa without providing reasons. Despite the setback, the team is now en route to Mexico to prepare for their opening match against cohosts Mexico on June 11, following a friendly against Jamaica.

South Africa's national men's football team, Bafana Bafana, has had their departure for the FIFA World Cup delayed due to issues with obtaining visas for Mexico, one of the co-host nations. The team was scheduled to fly to Mexico City on Sunday morning but remained in Johannesburg as visas for some players and officials were held up. South Africa is set to play their opening game against Mexico on June 11. The South African Football Association (SAFA) is working to resolve the visa situation and ensure the team can travel as soon as possible, while the squad continues training in Johannesburg. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has publicly criticized the delay, calling it "embarrassing."

South Africa's sports minister has demanded an explanation from the South African Football Association (Safa) after the national team's departure to Mexico for the World Cup was delayed due to visa issues. Safa acknowledged challenges with visas for some players and officials, which the national broadcaster described as an "administrative bungle." The minister expressed embarrassment, stating the country was being made to look foolish and called for action against those responsible. Safa is reportedly working to resolve the situation so the team can travel to Mexico City for a friendly match and the World Cup opening game on June 11.

An Iranian football federation delegation, including President Mehdi Taj, turned back at Toronto Pearson airport this week, preventing them from attending a FIFA Congress in Vancouver. The delegation cited "unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials" and alleged mistreatment despite holding valid visas. The Canadian government stated that IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada, implying Taj's alleged ties to the IRGC, which Canada designated as a terrorist organization in 2024, led to his denied entry. The Iranian federation condemned the treatment and the perceived insult to their armed forces. The delegation was en route to the pre-World Cup FIFA gathering of member associations.

Iranian football officials were absent from pre-World Cup events in Canada, raising questions about their visa status. Representatives from Iran's football federation did not attend the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in Vancouver, a significant meeting of Asian football leaders. While the reason for their absence remains unclear, concerns about visa issues potentially impacting travel to the congress and the upcoming World Cup were noted. FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the congress, acknowledging the current global conflicts but did not discuss Iran's participation or potential game relocations. Iran's government has stated the national team is preparing for the tournament, and FIFA has confirmed the World Cup schedule will remain unchanged.