Broos reveals why he chose Pachuca as Bafana’s World Cup base in Mexico

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Broos reveals why he chose Pachuca as Bafana’s World Cup base in Mexico
Hugo Broos, Grant Kekana and Jayden Adams, Bafana Bafana. Image: SAFA

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has detailed his decision to select Pachuca, Mexico, as the team’s training camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He also outlined the planned arrival time for the squad ahead of the tournament.

Bafana Bafana are set to kick off their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, located approximately 85 kilometres from their chosen base.

Bafana Bafana 4
Image – SAFA

The team’s group stage schedule also includes a trip to Atlanta, USA, for a match against a yet-to-be-determined European opponent on June 18. They will then return to Mexico to face South Korea in Guadalupe on June 24.

Broos on why Pachuca is ideal for Bafana

Following a recent visit to the training facilities, Broos confirmed the choice of Pachuca, a decision that had been reported several weeks prior.

“Once we knew the composition of the group, I felt the game against Mexico had to be a special one for us, not because it’s Mexico, but because of the altitude,” Broos explained to reporters in Pachuca.

Drawing on his own experience as a player with Belgium at the 1986 World Cup, Broos emphasised the critical need for acclimatisation. “I knew from experience that, before we play Mexico, we need a proper high-altitude camp,” he stated.

The coach revealed that the initial connection with Pachuca was made in Washington. “I met the people from Pachuca in Washington and they proposed this location,” he said. “There were other possibilities, but one thing was very important to me: we had to be in Mexico early and start the altitude camp, not travel in from somewhere else just a few days before the match.”

Bafana Bafana players at AFCON 2025. Photo - Imago
Bafana Bafana players at AFCON 2025. Photo – Imago

South Africa’s World Cup plans revealed

After re-establishing contact and inspecting the site, Broos was convinced it was the right choice. “The distance between Mexico City and Pachuca is about 85 kilometres, that is nothing, but I also needed to see the facilities, because they must be good.”

Broos expressed his satisfaction with the venue, highlighting its comprehensive amenities as ideal for the team’s preparations.

Mohau Nkota and Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach. Image: SAFA
Mohau Nkota and Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach. Image: SAFA

“I’m very pleased with what we saw: two good pitches, a fitness room, medical facilities, everything we need to have a very good preparation for that match,” he confirmed. “I’m very happy we found something that suits us so well. The reception and the attention we have received over the past days also makes me happy.”

Looking ahead, the coach has a clear timeline in mind for the team’s arrival. “Now I’m looking forward to coming to Pachuca, maybe already on 31 May, but certainly by 1 June, because we need about 10 days to adapt to the altitude, and also to manage the jet lag with the eight-hour difference from South Africa.”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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