South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, has encountered a setback in its journey to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after visa delays affected several players and team officials.
According to reports from South African media, the team's departure had to be temporarily postponed due to travel documentation issues, raising concerns among supporters as preparations for the tournament continue.
Bafana Bafana are returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, when South Africa hosted the tournament. Head coach Hugo Broos has named the final 26-man squad that will represent the nation at the competition being held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Bafana Bafana's 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ricardo Goss (Siwelele)
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau
Aubrey Modiba
Khulumani Ndamane
Olwethu Makhanya
Bradley Cross
Thabang Matuludi
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Kamogelo Sebelebele
Ime Okon
Samukelo Kabini
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena
Jayden Adams
Thalente Mbatha
Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards
Oswin Appollis
Tshepang Moremi
Evidence Makgopa
Relebohile Mofokeng
Lyle Foster
Iqraam Rayners
Themba Zwane
Thapelo Maseko
The squad also includes two players who are yet to earn their first senior international caps, Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross, both rewarded for their impressive performances at club level.
Opening World Cup Match
South Africa will begin its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a high-profile match against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The fixture will also serve as the opening match of the 2026 World Cup and is expected to attract significant attention, given the history between the two nations, who also met in the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
After facing Mexico, Bafana Bafana will take on the Czech Republic on June 18 before concluding their group-stage campaign against South Korea on June 24.
