South Africa's World Cup departure delayed over visa issues days before first match: 'Embarrassing!'

South Africa's departure for the World Cup has been delayed over visa issues, as the country's sports minister hit out at the embarrassing situation.The African nation was due to depart for their training base in the Mexican city of Pachucam, but were halted due to challenges regarding visas for some players and officials.Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said: This SAFA [South African Football Association] travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff.I travel, and the visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff. We are being made to look like fools. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The country's football association said: SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible.We remain committed to ensuring that the team's preparations for the tournament remain on track, and in the meantime, Bafana Bafana will continue to train in Johannesburg until departure.South Africa are set to kick off the World Cup in Mexico City on June 11, appearing at the finals of the competition for the first time since they hosted in 2010.The Iranian national team have also been affected by visa issues, and now have to be hosted by Mexico for the tournament.LATEST SPORTS NEWSOver 750 arrested and 219 people injured after PSG Champions League celebrationsMartin Keown insists 'there is more to come' from Arsenal after losing Champions League finalMikel Arteta explains penalty shootout decision and why Gabriel took Arsenal's fifth spot-kickThe team had originally planned to set up its camp in Tucson, Arizona.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed the United States had requested that Mexico host Iran.Sheinbaum said: The United States does not want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States.They asked us because they are going to play all three matches there. So they asked us: 'Can they stay overnight in Mexico?'And we said: 'Yes, no problem.' We have absolutely no problem with that.Fifa have confirmed that Iran's training base will be at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico.The World Cup is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, with all three of Iran's games in the US.Iran will kick off its campaign against New Zealand on June 15, before facing Belgium six days later, with both games being held in Los Angeles.The Iranian team will play its third match in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.Iran are currently preparing for the tournament in Antalya, southern Turkey.The country's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the squad will be given visas to play in the US.He said: The Fifa president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter