PRETORIA — Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has finalized his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opting for continuity while introducing two uncapped defensive wildcard selections to tackle Group A.
The squad was officially unveiled at a high-profile send-off dinner at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday night. Addressing the team, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a bold challenge to the squad to break South Africa’s historic pattern of group-stage exits.
“By qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you‘ve already written your names into the proud sporting history of our country,” Ramaphosa told the team. “But fellow South Africans are not satisfied with just qualifying alone. We don’t want group stages, we don’t want an early exit… We want to see you compete with courage, determination, and belief until the very end.”
Broos’ Swansong and the Cruel Trimming Process
For the 74-year-old Broos, the upcoming tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada represents the final chapter of a storied football career. The Belgian tactician confirmed he will retire from coaching immediately following the tournament, drawing a poetic parallel to his playing days when he retired from international football after helping Belgium secure fourth place at the 1986 World Cup, also hosted by Mexico.
Finalizing the roster from a 32-man preliminary pool required agonizing decisions for Broos and his assistant, Helman Mkhalele. Among the notable absences are Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and the injured Thapelo Morena.
“There were some hard decisions to make,” Broos admitted. “I know the disappointment of those players who had to drop tonight is very hard. It is a World Cup; who doesn’t want to go? I was a player myself, I know how they are feeling, but that is part of the job. I hope I chose the right ones.”
Uncapped Defiances and the Injury Factor
While Broos heavily backed the core group that secured South Africa’s first World Cup qualification in 16 years, the inclusion of uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross injected fresh intrigue into the selection.
- Olwethu Makhanya (22): The former Maritzburg United center-back earns his ticket after a standout breakout season in Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Philadelphia Union.
- Bradley Cross (25): The Kaizer Chiefs left-back—who spent time in Newcastle United’s academy—provides vital insurance on the left flank.
The sudden demand for left-back depth comes amid fitness clouds over Mamelodi Sundowns’ Aubrey Modiba, who missed the second leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday with a hamstring injury. Though Modiba has been included in the final 26, Broos has padded the position by selecting both Cross and Norway-based Samukele Kabini (Molde FK).
Local Core, International Firepower
The squad retains a distinctly domestic identity, with 19 of the 26 selected players currently plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominate the call-ups, providing a level of tactical familiarity that Broos intends to weaponize.
Inspirational goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will captain the side from the back, shielded by defensive mainstays like Khuliso Mudau and Nkosinathi Sibisi. The midfield engine room will once again be anchored by Teboho Mokoena, while the evergreen 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane has been retained to provide elite-level vision and calm on the tournament’s biggest stage.
Up front, Burnley striker Lyle Foster is locked in to lead the line, supported by a dynamic, high-pace local attacking contingent featuring Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, and teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng.
The Road Ahead: Group A Schedule
Bafana Bafana faces a formidable, logistically challenging journey through Group A. They will feature in the highly anticipated tournament curtain-raiser against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City—a massive callback to their iconic 2010 opening match.
Date | Opponent | Venue |
11 June 2026 | Mexico (Opening Match) | Mexico City Stadium, Mexico |
18 June 2026 | Czech Republic | Atlanta Stadium, USA |
24 June 2026 | South Korea | Estadio Monterrey, Mexico |
The squad departs for North America this weekend, with a final warm-up fixture scheduled against Nicaragua on Friday before the global showpiece kicks off on June 11.
The Confirmed 26-Man World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).
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