South African football fans are already counting down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as South Africa national soccer team prepare for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

The tournament, which will be hosted across Mexico, United States, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026, will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams.

For many South African supporters, one city is quickly becoming an important name to remember: Pachuca.

Why Pachuca matters for Bafana fans

Bafana Bafana will use Pachuca as their official World Cup base camp while preparing for their opening match against hosts Mexico national football team at the famous Estadio Azteca on 11 June.

Coach Hugo Broos confirmed that South Africa plans to arrive in Mexico nearly two weeks before the tournament begins to help players adjust to the high altitude conditions. Pachuca sits more than 2,400 metres above sea level — even higher than Johannesburg.

The city is located roughly 90 kilometres north of Mexico City and is known for its football culture, cool climate, mountain scenery, and strong sporting infrastructure.

What South African fans can expect from Pachuca

For travelling supporters, Pachuca offers a very different atmosphere compared to the busy streets of Mexico City.

Often called “La Bella Airosa” because of its cool winds, Pachuca is one of Mexico’s historic mining cities and is regarded as an important cultural centre in the Hidalgo state.

The city is also home to C.F. Pachuca, one of the oldest football clubs in Mexico. Bafana will train at the Universidad del Futbol facilities linked to the club during the tournament.

Tourism guides describe Pachuca as a destination filled with colourful streets, mountain views, local Mexican cuisine, football passion, museums, and nearby attractions such as old mining towns and cultural landmarks.

A special World Cup reunion with Mexico

The opening match between South Africa and Mexico already carries emotional memories for many football fans.

Back in 2010, Bafana Bafana opened the FIFA World Cup on home soil against Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg in a match remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal.

Now, exactly 16 years later, the same two nations will meet again in the opening fixture of another World Cup — this time in Mexico.

South African officials are also planning a special showcase event in Mexico featuring legends from the 2010 squad ahead of the tournament.

Bafana’s group stage matches

South Africa’s confirmed Group A fixtures include:

• Mexico vs South Africa — 11 June in Mexico City
• South Africa vs Czech Republic — 18 June in Atlanta
• South Africa vs South Korea — 24 June in Monterrey

This will be Bafana Bafana’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance after previous tournaments in 1998, 2002, and 2010. South Africa will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time in history.

For South African football supporters, excitement is already building. From the high-altitude football city of Pachuca to the legendary Azteca Stadium, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest moments in modern South African football history.