Bafana Bafana’s World Cup base revealed: Why Broos chose Pachuca

As Bafana Bafana prepare for their long-awaited return to the global stage, head coach Hugo Broos has officially confirmed the team’s headquarters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa has been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and a UEFA play-off winner (one of Denmark, Czech Republic, or Macedonia). With the opening match set against the Mexicans at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11, SAFA has secured a base designed to tackle one of football’s toughest opponents: altitude.

The Bafana Base: Pachuca’s “University of Football”

Broos and his troops will be stationed in Pachuca, Mexico, utilising the world-class facilities at the Universidad del Futbol. The squad will stay at the Camino Real Pachuca hotel, located just a few kilometres from their training site. Broos, who recently conducted an inspection of the site, expressed his satisfaction with the setup:

“I’m very pleased with the facilities and the two nice pitches where we can train. The fitness rooms, the hospital, and everything we need to have a good preparation for that match,” Broos said.

The choice of Pachuca was not accidental. Standing at approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, it provides the perfect environment for players to acclimatise before heading to Mexico City. Broos noted that his decision was rooted in his own playing career.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos explains why he is happy with the choice of Pachuca, Mexico, as South Africa’s base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will train at the Universidad del Futbol and stay at Camino Real Pachuca hotel.#BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/QBcbyGD3RM

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) February 26, 2026

“I was also here in the 1986 World Cup with Belgium as a player,” Broos explained. “So I knew, based on experience, that before we could play that game against Mexico, we needed a high altitude camp.”

Broos emphasised the importance of settling in Mexico early rather than travelling back and forth.

“One thing that was important to me was that we should already be in Mexico and start the high altitude camp, and not have a trip again,” he added.

Before the flight to North America, South Africa will sharpen their tools at home. SAFA has confirmed two friendly matches against Panama—a fellow CONCACAF member with a style of play similar to Mexico—on March 27 and March 31. Both matches will be staged in South Africa.

This tournament marks SA’s fourth appearance at a FIFA World Cup and their first since hosting the event in 2010.