Sports 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
South Africa to Arrive Early in Mexico for World Cup Altitude Acclimatization
South Africa's national team plans to reach Mexico nearly two weeks before their Group A opener against co-hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium to adapt to the conditions. The squad aims to advance from the group stage for the first time in their fourth World Cup appearance, facing Czech Republic and South Korea next. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/south-africa-plan-early-mexico-arrival-to-adapt-for-world-cup-opener-5446930
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will travel to Mexico on May 30, almost a fortnight ahead of their World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The stadium sits at 2,200 meters (7,216 feet) above sea level, posing a significant challenge.
Coach Hugo Broos emphasized the need for acclimatization, noting that while many players are accustomed to Johannesburg’s 1,753-meter altitude, the higher elevation in Mexico requires adjustment time. The team will base themselves in Pachuca, about 200 meters higher than Mexico City and less than 100 km away.
Training intensity will be limited initially due to the altitude, with Broos expecting full capacity only in the second week. Preparations include a potential friendly against Nicaragua on May 29 at home and another against Puerto Rico in Pachuca.
In Group A, South Africa faces Mexico first, followed by Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24. Broos acknowledges the tough draw, especially the opener at Azteca, but remains optimistic about upsets, drawing from his 1986 World Cup experience.
The teams previously drew 1-1 in Johannesburg during the 2010 World Cup opener hosted by South Africa.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)