Reports suggest South Africa were forced to delay part of their journey after visa issues affected members of the travelling group ahead of a planned route via Mexico. Even when problems are eventually solved, the damage is not always physical; it is mental.
Players want rhythm in tournament week:
Anything that breaks that flow matters. McKenzie later struck a different tone, saying “the fault is entirely on our side,” while also praising officials for trying to resolve the situation quickly. That reversal only underlines how messy these episodes can become once deadlines start closing in.
For Switzerland, the reported issue around Breel Embolo is even more pointed because it involves a key attacker rather than backroom logistics. If a leading forward is unable to travel with team-mates, preparation is immediately affected - not just for the player, but for the manager building sessions and combinations.
There is also the human element. Tournament football already brings pressure; uncertainty over whether a player can even board the plane adds another layer entirely.
Iran are also reportedly dealing with travel uncertainty, with planning complicated by where the team can base itself and when final clearance arrives. That makes this feel bigger than one administrative mishap.
The wider lesson is simple: modern tournaments are not won by talent alone. They also depend on smooth logistics, fast paperwork and calm decision-making off the pitch.
With the opening games now close, the next story to watch is whether these teams can finally settle - and turn a week of embassy stress into a week of football.