Bafana visa blunder: Iranian embassy accuses US of sabotage

Key travel problems and minister’s update

The team’s chartered flight was grounded on Sunday morning amid reports of “administrative errors.” Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie posted on X that “All @BafanaBafana players received their visas to travel to the USA. Outstanding is the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave tomorrow [Monday]”.

McKenzie also criticised the South African Football Association, which he said had reported “experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials.” He described the delay as “embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff” and warned action would be taken against those he held responsible, saying: “We are being made to look like fools”.

Broader visa controversy involving Iran

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa publicly weighed in on the visa issues affecting both Bafana Bafana and Iran’s national team. In a post on its official X account, the embassy accused the United States of attempting to sabotage the teams by “abusing its role as a World Cup host.”

“Either they are incapable of managing the process properly, or they are acting in bad faith”

The embassy said the United States had “heavily restricted” the Iranian team, which it said was still awaiting travel visas. According to the reporting, FIFA confirmed that although Iran will play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States, the US refused to permit the team to stay overnight in the country; as a result, Iran’s training camp and accommodation were moved from the US to Mexico.

What this means for the tournament schedule

The FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July in Mexico, Canada and the US. Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play Mexico in their first World Cup match.

Next steps

With players’ visas confirmed, officials said the team was cleared to depart, though several staff members still faced outstanding visa obstacles. The situation prompted public criticism from senior sports officials and a diplomatic response from Iran’s embassy, while FIFA’s confirmation about Iran’s relocation underscored the wider logistical tensions around team travel.