South Africa Squad Departs for World Cup in Mexico Without Assistant Coach Due to Visa Issue

The South African national team delegation has traveled to Mexico in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. However, they departed without assistant coach Claude Makelele, who was unable to secure an entry visa for the United States.

Makelele was initially scheduled to accompany the "Bafana Bafana" squad to their tournament base. His application for a US visa was rejected in the initial stage, preventing him from traveling with the team.

The South African Football Association confirmed that the team's delegation proceeded to Mexico as planned. Makelele will be required to join the squad at a later date once his administrative situation is resolved and the necessary visa is obtained.

This situation has sparked some controversy within South Africa, especially as the national team prepares to compete in the World Cup. They are set to face the Mexican national team in the opening match on June 11 as part of Group A, before playing against the Czech Republic and South Korea.

South African team officials are hopeful that Makelele's travel procedures will be finalized as soon as possible, enabling him to join the technical staff and resume his duties with the team during the tournament.