South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, has chosen the Universidad del Fútbol in Pachuca, Mexico. As their high-altitude base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Located over 2,400 meters above sea level and linked to CF Pachuca. The venue offers ideal training conditions to help the squad build endurance and prepare for the tournament’s physical demands. They will open their Group A campaign against Mexico at Estadio Azteca before facing a European playoff winner and South Korea.
Strategic High-Altitude Preparation in Pachuca
FIFA World Cup 2026: Bafana Bafana Choose Pachuca, Mexico as High-Altitude Base Camp. Bafana Bafana have made a strategic move to strengthen their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The South African national team will set up their base camp at the Universidad del Fútbol in Pachuca. Mexico a respected football and sports science academy linked to local club CF Pachuca.
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This decision supports their goal of maximizing training conditions ahead of the tournament. Pachuca, situated about 90km north of Mexico City, stands at an altitude of 2,432 meters considerably higher than Johannesburg’s 1,753 meters. The elevated setting will provide ideal high-altitude training conditions helping players adapt to the physical demands of the global competition.
South Africa is scheduled to play in the tournament’s opening match against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June. It promises to be a challenging yet exciting start to their World Cup journey. They will then face a European playoff qualifier in Atlanta before concluding their Group A campaign against South Korea in Guadalupe, part of the Monterrey metropolitan region.
Tough Group A Challenge Awaits
The facilities at Universidad del Fútbol include a comprehensive training complex that will allow the team to fine-tune their tactics ahead of these decisive matches. Players will stay at the five-star Camino Real Pachuca, located about 5km from the training grounds, offering a peaceful setting for rest and recovery. Choosing Pachuca also helps the team avoid the intense summer heat common in many North American cities during the World Cup.
With average June temperatures around 22°C, the squad can concentrate fully on their preparation without dealing with extreme weather. Additionally, Bafana Bafana will benefit from exposure to the history and culture of CF Pachuca, Mexico’s oldest professional football club, founded in 1892. This collaboration could provide valuable experience ahead of the tournament. Click toread more about Mexico vs South Africa Tickets.

The 2026 edition marks South Africa’s return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the competition in 2010. After group-stage eliminations in 1998, 2002, and 2010, this tournament represents a crucial opportunity for the team to make a meaningful impact on the world stage. Meanwhile, Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup determined to restore its international reputation.
A Historic Opportunity for South Africa and Mexico
Once viewed as an emerging football powerhouse, Mexico experienced disappointment in 2022 when El Tri exited in the group stage for the first time since 1978. Hosting the 2026 event offers a strong chance for redemption. When Mexico co-hosts the 2026 tournament, it will become the first nation to host the World Cup three times, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986.
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With only a few months remaining before kickoff, national teams are finalizing their preparations. Mexico is no exception, especially with the added responsibility of serving as one of the tournament’s three host countries. The Mexican Football Federation has confirmed El Tri’s final three warm-up opponents, according to reports from TUDN cited by Marca. Mexico will face Australia, Ghana, and
Mexico’s Friendly Schedule and Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures Confirmed
Serbia in pre-tournament friendlies. While exact dates have yet to be announced, the matches are expected shortly before the competition begins. Before those fixtures, head coach Javier Aguirre will oversee at least two additional friendlies. The first is scheduled for February 25 against Iceland at Estadio Corregidor in Querétaro. During the March FIFA international window, Mexico will meet Portugal at Estadio Azteca.

Two of the three later friendlies are expected to take place in Mexico, while the remaining match will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Mexican States will have the integrity of launching the 2026 World Cup on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, facing South Africa in the Group A opener. One week later, on June 18, they will play South Korea at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
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Where will Bafana Bafana base themselves for the FIFA World Cup?
They will set up their base camp at the Universidad del Fútbol in Pachuca, Mexico.
Which group is Mexico vs South Africa in for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico and South Africa are in Group A FIFA World Cup 2026, where both teams will look to start strong and confidently advance to the knockout stage.
Who will South Africa face in their opening match?
They will play against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 11.
How can I buy FIFA 2026 tickets?
FIFA 2026 Tickets can be purchased through trusted online eTicketing platforms. Always confirm match dates, teams, and stadium locations before booking.
Where will Mexico play its opening World Cup match?
Mexico will open the tournament at Estadio Azteca.
Which other teams will Mexico face in Group A of the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico will play against South Africa in the opening match at Estadio Azteca, then face South Korea on June 18 in Guadalajara, and finally meet a European playoff winner Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland on June 24.
Who is Mexico’s head coach?
Javier Aguirre is leading Mexico’s preparations.
What makes the FIFA World Cup historic for Mexico?
Mexico will become the first nation to host the World Cup three times.
Where can I buy Mexico vs South Africa Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
You can buy Mexico vs South Africa Tickets securely from eTicketing.co, They offer verified seats, a money-back guarantee, and access to authorized host cities.