Bafana Bafana have arrived at their World Cup base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, beginning their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which starts next week. The South African senior men’s national team landed in Mexico on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after a long journey from Johannesburg that included a two-hour refuelling stop in Cape Verde. Their arrival drew significant attention, with a large media presence at the airport and outside the team hotel, reflecting growing local interest ahead of the tournament opener between hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
All players and key team personnel are now in camp in Pachuca, including team doctor Tshepo Molobi and head performance analyst Sinesipho Mali. Two remaining members of the delegation, assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and head of security Mdu Mbatha, had secured their US visas and were expected to join the team later on Tuesday afternoon, South Africa time.
Bafana Bafana will be based in Pachuca throughout the World Cup and will conduct their training sessions at the Universidad del Futbol. The squad is staying at the Camino Real Pachuca hotel, which is located just outside the city. Coach Hugo Broos and his staff will use the camp as the team’s headquarters as they prepare for their opening fixture and the rest of the tournament.
The team is scheduled to hold its first training session in Mexico on Tuesday afternoon, local time, marking the start of on-the-ground preparations in the host country. With the opening match against Mexico set for June 11, South Africa’s arrival in Pachuca signals the beginning of their final phase of buildup as they adapt to local conditions and focus on the challenge ahead.
Interest in Bafana Bafana has reportedly reached record levels in the area, with local attention intensifying as the World Cup approaches. The team’s presence in Pachuca has already drawn crowds and media coverage, underscoring the significance of the opening match and the attention surrounding South Africa’s participation in the global tournament.
