Paperwork Snafu Grounds Bafana Bafana as World Cup Clock Ticks

South Africa’s return to the World Cup stage has hit an unexpected snag. The national team, Bafana Bafana, was set to fly out of Johannesburg on Sunday morning for their opening match against co-host Mexico in 11 days. Instead, the squad remained on the tarmac at OR Tambo International Airport, grounded by a visa delay for some players and staff.

The South African Football Association confirmed the hold-up in a statement, saying it is working “around the clock” to get the team to Mexico City as soon as possible. In the meantime, training continues in Johannesburg. The delay comes just a day after a grand public sendoff in the city, where fans cheered a squad making its first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie did not hide his frustration, calling the situation “embarrassing and grossly unfair” on social media. “We are being made to look like fools,” he posted. An emergency committee meeting was called for Sunday evening to address the mess.

South Africa is not alone in facing visa troubles. Iran’s World Cup squad has also been waiting for U.S. visas ahead of their opening match against New Zealand on June 15. FIFA has reportedly assured Iranian officials the paperwork will be processed this week.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play a warm-up friendly against Jamaica on June 5 before their group-stage opener against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. They will then face Czechia and South Korea. Coach Hugo Broos named his 26-man squad on Wednesday, including two uncapped players. For now, the team is left hoping the bureaucratic knots get untied before the biggest stage in football.