Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his final 26-man squad for the Ffia World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
Broos named his Bafana squad alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, 27 May at the Union Building in Tshwane.
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The announcement marks a significant milestone for South African football as Bafana Bafana prepare to return to the Fifa World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Broos unveiled a balanced squad consisting of experienced internationals and promising young talent, with the team expected to carry the hopes of millions of South Africans at football’s biggest tournament.
South Africa secured qualification after an impressive campaign under Broos, who has transformed the national team since taking charge in 2021.
Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana also enjoyed a strong Africa Cup of Nations campaign, restoring confidence in South African football.
The final squad announcement follows the release of a preliminary 32-man squad earlier this month, with six players cut ahead of Fifa’s final registration deadline.
South Africa has been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea.
Bafana Bafana will open their World Cup campaign against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June before facing Czechia and South Korea in the remaining group stage matches.
Captain Ronwen Williams is expected to lead the team during the tournament, supported by experienced campaigners such as Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominate the squad selection following their strong domestic and continental performances over the past season.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross earned a place in the final squad, while teammate Brandon Petersen was among the players who missed out on selection.
Broos has maintained faith in the core group of players who contributed to South Africa’s recent progress and successful qualification campaign.
The Bafana Bafana 2026 Fifa World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams.
Strikers: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko
High expectations ahead of the tournament
Broos and his technical team will be aiming to guide South Africa beyond the group stages and re-establish the country’s competitiveness on the international football stage.
The Belgian coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of discipline, teamwork, and tactical organisation as Bafana Bafana prepare for one of the toughest tournaments in world football.
With preparations intensifying ahead of the opening fixture against Mexico next month, South Africans are expected to rally behind the national team as excitement builds for the country’s return to the Fifa World Cup.
Bafana Bafana will play an international friendly against Nicaragua on Friday, 29 May 2026, at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. The match serves as a send-off game before the team departs for the Fifa World Cup.
Broos said he knows it is disappointing for the players that he had to drop.
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“I know what they will feel after I have announced the 26 players. That is also part of the job.
“It was a difficult assignment, and I hope I chose the right ones,” he said.
