South Africa have settled on the Mexican city of Pachuca as their training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opting for altitude, climate balance and logistical convenience as they prepare for their return to football’s grandest stage.
The decision reflects a carefully calculated approach by the South African Football Association to ensure optimal preparation for a demanding group campaign across North America.
Bafana Bafana will open the tournament against co-hosts Mexico national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11 before travelling to face a European qualifier in Atlanta.
Their final Group A fixture will take place in Guadalupe, within the Monterrey metropolitan area, against South Korea national football team.
The squad will train at the Universidad del Futbol facilities affiliated with CF Pachuca, one of Mexico’s most historic clubs. The campus offers extensive pitches and sports science infrastructure designed to support elite-level performance.
Accommodation has been arranged at the Camino Real Pachuca, located a short distance from the city centre and within manageable reach of Mexico City via highway connections.
At 2,432 metres above sea level, Pachuca sits higher than Johannesburg, presenting an altitude challenge that could enhance endurance conditioning.
Crucially, June temperatures average a moderate 22 degrees Celsius, providing relief from the intense heat expected in several other host cities.
For a nation returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, meticulous planning has been central.
South Africa previously exited at the group stage in 1998, 2002 and 2010. Establishing a stable, climate-friendly base in Pachuca signals intent to maximise preparation as Bafana aim to progress beyond the opening round for the first time in their history.
