The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been one of the most turbulent in living memory, and with less than a fortnight to go until the tournament kicks off, yet another nation has seen their preparations thrown into serious jeopardy, this time by a visa crisis that’s left an entire squad stranded thousands of miles from where they need to be.

The problems surrounding this summer’s competition, co-hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, have been well documented. The shadow of Donald Trump’s administration has loomed large over proceedings from the very beginning, with travel restrictions, diplomatic tensions and logistical complications creating headaches for competing nations that would’ve been simply unimaginable at any previous World Cup.

The most striking example to date has been the Iran national team, who were forced to relocate their entire training camp across the border into Mexico after concerns around operating within the United States following their recent conflict made their original plans untenable.

The situation laid bare just how politically charged this tournament has become before a single ball has been kicked. But Iran isn’t alone, and the latest nation to find themselves caught up in the chaos will be hoping their situation is resolved rather swiftly.

South Africa Caught Up in World Cup Visa Chaos

Despite not being on Trump’s travel ban list, the South African Football Association has surprisingly confirmed that Bafana Bafana were unable to depart for North America as originally planned, after visa complications arose for a number of players and officials within the squad. It’s a large blow to a side who face one of the toughest possible opening fixtures, a match against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, in what will be the first match of the tournament.

Every day spent in Johannesburg rather than acclimatising in Mexico City is a day of preparation lost, and with the clock ticking down rapidly, the pressure on SAFA’s officials to find a resolution gets bigger with every passing day. The association has confirmed an Emergency Committee Meeting, with a further update to be communicated to the nation once discussions have concluded. In the meantime, the squad will continue training at home.

South Africa’s Full Statement Ahead of the World Cup

Speaking on their website after seeing their players and staff denied visas to enter Mexico, the SAFA have released the following statement:

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to update the nation on Bafana Bafana’s travel plans to Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match of the global tournament against the hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.

“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.

This year’s World Cup will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has revealed the toughest challenge of his career at Old Trafford so far, in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT.

The 22-year-old striker scored 11 goals in his first season with the club following a £74m move from RB Leipzig last summer, ending the campaign as the club’s joint top scorer alongside Bryan Mbeumo, as the team secured Champions League football for next season by finishing third in the Premier League.

Fans have been delighted by the impact the Slovenia international has made, having scored big goals against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Everton, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

Exclusive: Sesko Reveals Toughest Man Utd Challenge

Sesko initially struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim, and suffered with some injuries during the campaign, before really finding form under Michael Carrick’s management.

But when asked by GIVEMESPORT correspondent Sam Cohen what the toughest challenge has been since making the switch to the Premier League, the striker admitted that the speed of the division forced him to change his game.

“I think the hardest challenge here was adapting to the league,” he said. “It’s the best league. Just the speed of everything, you needed time to get used to it.

“Each game helped me to make me faster, think faster, to move faster, and I think I’m really enjoying it.”

Sesko was then asked if he enjoys that pressure, having joined the club for a big fee, and he admitted it’s something he thrives off.

“Personally, I enjoy pressure,” he said. “I think if you have pressure, it’s something that you’re doing good, in the sense of the pressure has to come from something.

“Lets say me as a striker of Manchester United, it’s to bring the goals. That’s why I’m here, that’s what I want to bring. Of cousrse I should have pressure, but pressure should always be a privilege. Something that you can take as a positive, because in the end I came here to score goals, to help the team, and as I want, to win the titles at this club.”

Sesko: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Was My Idol

Sesko’s athleticism and technical quality have seen fans take to him well at Old Trafford, with many believing that he is the long-term number nine at the club.

His style of play has often drawn comparisons to the great Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who spent the best part of two seasons with the club a decade ago, and made a big impression on fans too.

And during his interview with GIVEMESPORT, the Slovenian admitted that the legendary Swede was his footballing idol growing up.

“My idol is Ibrahimovic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” he said.

“Great player, of course. He was amazing. I looked at him a lot, but not just him.

“Just in general football, skills, goals, it was just something that I used to try to go out and copy. It could be in the summer when it’s really hot, I just wanted to get better.”

Bernardo Silva has named his greatest teammates XI after leaving Manchester City – and it’s absolutely insane.

The Portuguese midfielder has had an incredible career. He spent his youth at Benfica, before enjoying a highly successful few years in France with AS Monaco.

His form for the Ligue 1 giants attracted the attention of Man City, and he made a €70 million move to the Citizens in 2017. He made a total of 460 appearances for the club, scoring 76 times and helping them to 19 trophies.

At international level, the 31-year-old has been capped 107 times by Portugal and was part of their teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Since making his professional debut in 2013, Silva has played with a plethora of world-class players, and he has now picked the best of the best in an interview with DAZN.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Silva chose Ederson in goal over the likes of Rui Patricio, Diogo Costa and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Ederson kept 164 clean sheets and conceded just 311 goals in 372 games for City.

At right-back, he chose Matheus Nunes over Kyle Walker, while at left-back Joao Cancelo was given the nod ahead of PSG star Nuno Mendes.

Silva played with so many legendary centre-backs, including with Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe for Portugal, as well as Vincent Kompany at City. None of the aforementioned trio made Silva’s side, with John Stones and Ruben Dias preferred.

Midfielders

Rodri has been outstanding since joining Man City, winning the Ballon d’Or in recognition of his efforts for club and country in 2024. However, he did not make Silva’s side. Instead, Silva picked former Monaco and Portugal teammate Joao Moutinho at defensive midfield.

While in the centre of midfield, Silva included Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan.

Among the midfielders that Silva overlooked in favour of the trio include PSG star Vitinha, Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes and Ivorian legend Yaya Toure. David Silva, Fernandinho and Phil Foden are among the other notable players that missed out.

Forwards

Silva played alongside Mbappe on 44 occasions for Monaco. While he was only just starting out his career at the time, the Frenchman was so good that Silva had to put him on the left-wing. On the opposite side, Silva selected Riyad Mahrez, ahead of the likes of Raheem Sterling.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in football history and there was no surprise that Silva picked him as the greatest striker he has ever played alongside. Ronaldo has scored nearly 1000 professional goals, with nearly 150 of them coming for his country.

Ronaldo’s inclusion up front means that some legendary strikers have been missed out. Erling Haaland, who has shattered record-after-record at City, has been left out of Silva’s team, as has Sergio Aguero.