South Africa World Cup Squad Departs One Day Later After Partial U.S. Transit Visa Delay

U.S. transit visa problems prevented several staff members from travelling on schedule. The charter flight that had been set for 31 May will now leave on 1 June, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said.

U.S. transit visas, McKenzie said, but the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst remain without clearance. The South African Football Association finalised documentation while the squad waited in Johannesburg.

McKenzie described the situation as "embarrassing and grossly unfair" to the players and coaching staff. "I have informed SAFA that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess," he said. " SAFA acknowledged the delay was caused by visa challenges and held an emergency committee meeting on the evening of 31 May.

The association said the team would continue training in Johannesburg until departure. Coach Hugo Broos had planned to arrive in Mexico by 1 June so the squad could recover from jetlag and adjust to altitude. Pachuca, the team's planned training base, sits 2432 metres above sea level, roughly 680 metres higher than Johannesburg.

South Africa will open its World Cup campaign against Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June. The team will play a warm-up match against Jamaica on 6 June, followed by Group A fixtures against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on 18 June and South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June. This marks South Africa's first World Cup appearance since it hosted the tournament in 2010.