Pachuca, also known as La Bella Airosa or "The Windy Beauty", is Bafana Bafana's base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Image: Instagram
With just days to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, national teams from around the globe are settling into their host cities across North America.
The tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, will be staged across 16 stadiums in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
For South African football fans, all eyes will be on Bafana Bafana as they prepare for their opening match against hosts Mexico on June 11.
Ahead of the tournament, the South African squad has already arrived in Mexico, where they received a warm welcome complete with a traditional mariachi band, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup experience.
Bafana Bafana have chosen the city of Pachuca in central Mexico as their home base for the duration of the tournament.
The team is staying at the luxurious Camino Real Pachuca Hotel, while training at the nearby Universidad del Futbol y Ciencias del Deporte, one of the country’s leading football academies.
The decision to base the squad in Pachuca is a strategic one. Situated approximately 2,430 metres above sea level, the city offers similar high-altitude conditions to several of the venues where South Africa will play their matches.
By arriving early and acclimatising to the thinner air, the team hopes to gain a competitive advantage when the tournament begins.
The five-star Camino Real Pachuca Hotel is located just outside the city centre and offers the privacy, comfort and facilities required by an elite international squad.
Meanwhile, the Universidad del Futbol provides world-class training pitches, sports science facilities and recovery areas, ensuring the players can prepare under optimal conditions.
The academy is also closely associated with CF Pachuca, one of Mexico’s most respected football clubs, making it an ideal environment for a World Cup campaign.
Often overlooked by international tourists, Pachuca is one of Mexico’s most fascinating cities.
Known locally as La Bella Airosa (“The Beautiful Windy City”), it combines rich history, cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
The city rose to prominence during Mexico’s silver-mining boom and still retains much of its historical character.
Visitors can explore colourful streets, historic architecture and museums that tell the story of the region’s mining heritage.
One of Pachuca’s most unique cultural influences comes from Cornwall in the United Kingdom.
During the 19th century, Cornish miners arrived in the region and introduced the traditional Cornish pasty.
Over time, the dish evolved into the Mexican paste, which remains one of the city’s signature foods today.
Beyond its urban attractions, Pachuca serves as a gateway to some of Mexico’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Nearby El Chico National Park offers hiking trails, pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery, while the famous Basaltic Prisms of Huasca de Ocampo feature striking volcanic rock formations and cascading waterfalls.
As one of the three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico is preparing to welcome thousands of football fans from across the globe.
Matches will be played in three Mexican host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Mexico City, home to the iconic Estadio Azteca, will host Mexico and several other participating nations during the tournament.
Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron will welcome teams including the United States for group-stage matches, while Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA will host a range of international sides competing in the group and knockout rounds.
From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the beaches of the Riviera Maya and the mountain landscapes surrounding Monterrey, the country offers visitors an incredible variety of experiences.
For Bafana Bafana supporters travelling to Mexico, Pachuca presents an opportunity to experience a lesser-known side of the country while following the national team’s World Cup journey.
The city combines football culture, history, nature and authentic Mexican hospitality in one destination.
The warm reception already given to the South African squad highlights the excitement building ahead of the tournament.
While Mexico will be Bafana Bafana’s first opponents on the pitch, off the field, the country has welcomed the team with open arms.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, South African fans will be hoping that Pachuca’s high-altitude surroundings, excellent facilities and supportive atmosphere help Bafana Bafana make a strong start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.