Bafana finally arrive in Mexico

Bafana Bafana arrived at their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup next Thursday.

The team touched down in North America after a lengthy journey from Johannesburg, which included a two-hour refuelling stop in the island nation of Cape Verde off the West African coast.

A large media contingent was waiting at the airport and outside the team hotel, with local interest in Bafana Bafana said to be at an all-time high ahead of the tournament’s opening match against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June.

All players and team personnel have now arrived in camp in Pachuca, including team doctor, Tshepo Molobi, and Head Performance Analyst, Sinesipho Mali.

Assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, and team head of security, Mdu Mbatha, were the last members of the travelling party still to arrive, but have since secured their visas and are expected to join the squad later on Tuesday.

Bafana will be based in Pachuca for the duration of World Cup. They will train at the Universidad del Futbol, while staying at Camino Real Pachuca hotel, located on the outskirts of the city.

The team is finally settled in Mexico after hours and hours of travelling. Time to get some rest, the hard work begins NOW. 💪🏽🇿🇦⚽️🔥#BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbankza @10betza @flysaa @castlelagersa @cocacolaza @sabcsport @nutritechfit… pic.twitter.com/IGMufF11wc

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 2, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari