Hugo Broos Explains Why South Africa Chose Pachuca as World Cup Base

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has explained why the team selected Pachuca, Mexico, as its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana will be based in Pachuca throughout the tournament as they prepare for their group-stage matches in North America. The decision was made after evaluating several possible locations for the team’s preparations.

Altitude Preparation Key to the Decision

According to Broos, altitude played a major role in the choice of training base. South Africa will open the World Cup against Mexico national football team at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a venue known for its high altitude.

Broos said the team needed time to adapt to the conditions rather than arriving just a few days before the match.

“Once we knew the composition of the group, the game against Mexico had to be special… because of the altitude,” Broos explained.

The coach also drew on personal experience. As a player with Belgium during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Broos experienced the challenges of high-altitude football firsthand.

He believes an early training camp will help South Africa adjust physically before the opening match.

Training Facilities in Pachuca

South Africa will train at the Universidad del Futbol facilities in Pachuca, a complex connected to Mexican club CF Pachuca. The campus includes multiple training pitches, fitness facilities, and medical services designed for elite football preparation.

Broos said the quality of the infrastructure was another major factor in the decision.

The coaching staff inspected the site before confirming it as the team’s base camp, ensuring the squad would have everything needed for proper preparation during the tournament.

Early Arrival Planned

The South African squad is expected to arrive in Mexico around May 31 or June 1, giving the team approximately ten days to acclimate to the altitude and adjust to the time difference before the opening match.

Broos believes this preparation period will be crucial as Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup stage.

South Africa will open the tournament against Mexico before facing other group opponents later in the competition as they aim to make an impact in the expanded 48-team tournament.