South Africa have arrived in Mexico and established their base in Pachuca as preparations begin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off next week.
The squad touched down in Mexico on Tuesday following a long journey from Johannesburg. Their trip included a scheduled two-hour refuelling stop in Cape Verde, the island nation off the West African coast, before continuing on to their destination.
On arrival, the team was met with significant attention. A large media presence had gathered at both the airport and the team hotel, reflecting what local observers described as unprecedented interest in the squad ahead of the tournament.
The opening match of the World Cup is set to feature hosts Mexico against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June 2026, a fixture that has already generated strong anticipation among supporters and media alike.
All players and key team personnel are now in camp in Pachuca, with the squad settling into their World Cup base. Among those present are team doctor Tshepo Molobi and head performance analyst Sinesipho Mali, ensuring the technical and medical structures are fully in place as preparations intensify.
However, two members of the wider backroom staff are still en route. Assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and team head of security Mdu Mbatha have secured their United States visas and are expected to join the squad shortly. They were scheduled to travel on Tuesday afternoon, South Africa time, after completing their travel arrangements.
The team will remain based in Pachuca throughout the tournament, using the city as their central training hub. Training sessions are set to take place at the Universidad del Futbol, a facility chosen to support Hugo Broos’ side as they fine-tune their preparations for the global showpiece.
Accommodation for the squad has been arranged at the Camino Real Pachuca hotel, located on the outskirts of the city. The setup is designed to provide the team with stability and focus as they prepare for the demands of the World Cup.
With their base now established, Bafana Bafana will turn their attention fully to final preparations before the tournament begins. The combination of a structured training environment and early arrival in Mexico is expected to help the team adapt to conditions ahead of their opening fixture.
As excitement builds around the tournament, South Africa’s arrival has already drawn notable attention, with the squad stepping into a highly visible build-up period before facing the hosts in one of the most anticipated opening matches of the competition.
