After experiencing what some might call an embarrassing back-and-forth with their visas, members of the Bafana Bafana squad finally landed in Mexico. The team received a warm welcome from one of the FIFA World Cup hosts, who greeted them with a mariachi band.
Also see: Bafana Bafana players finally receive visas to travel for World Cup
Described as a traditional Mexican music ensemble, a mariachi band typically consists of two or more musicians wearing regional costumes. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) explains that the musicians interpret a broad repertoire of songs on their stringed instruments.
Modern mariachi bands’ instruments include trumpets, violins, and bass guitars, and may have four or more musicians.
Take a look at the Mexican welcome below:
The South Africa squad were welcomed to their base in Mexico by a mariachi band ahead of the World Cup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2iUJCWw9au
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 2, 2026
Also see: Essential tips for Bafana Bafana fans going to the World Cup
Bafana Bafana team starts training in Mexico
After landing on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, the players and other members of the national soccer team arrived in Pachuca. Head coach Hugo Broos wasted no time getting the men ready for their opening match against Mexico on 11 June 2026.
To help fight jet lag and the eight-hour time difference between the two countries, the squad began their training session with a few stretches and incorporated resistance bands.
Mariachi welcome pleases the internet
Social media users took to their keyboards, with some South Africans thanking Mexico for its hospitality. Others wondered about the welcome other countries received.
A grateful @t_maratahelele humorously stated, “Muchas gracias (Thank you very much) for the warm welcome. However, on match day, we are going to beat Mexico on their home soil.”
“This is why the World Cup is the greatest sporting event on Earth. Football connects cultures better than anything else,” commented @TheGrowthEngr.
@Zikode_SA told the online community, “We’ve lost our touch because what do you mean nobody stopped and hit a young dance for our hosts.”
@karmatheholy___shared, “South Africa hasn’t even played a match yet and they’re already winning the hospitality trophy.”
Also see: Mama Joy pleads for funding to watch Bafana Bafana at 2026 World Cup
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