Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is expected to make a few surprise selections when he names his final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, 27 May.
The announcement is scheduled to take place from 19:00.
Excitement building
The Belgian mentor will unveil the travelling squad during the national team’s official send-off at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, as excitement builds ahead of South Africa’s return to football’s biggest stage.
Broos and his technical team face some difficult decisions after naming a 32-man preliminary squad last week, with FIFA requiring all participating nations to submit final squads of between 23 and 26 players by 1 June.
The final group selected will carry South Africa’s hopes at the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Bafana Bafana assembled in Johannesburg on Monday to begin preparations, although several players are still expected to join camp later, including the contingent from Mamelodi Sundowns following their CAF Champions League final commitments, as well as overseas-based players.
No players guaranteed spots
Before jetting off to North America, South Africa will host Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday in a farewell match expected to offer Broos one final opportunity to assess combinations.
The coach has already hinted that no player is guaranteed a place after Bafana Bafana’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco, where the team exited in the Round of 16.
Broos did not hide his frustration following the tournament, citing complacency, poor mentality, tactical indiscipline and unprofessional conduct as major concerns.
“I was very disappointed after the tournament. We didn’t achieve what we wanted first of all, secondly our level of the games we played was not what we were used to,” Broos said.
“The quality, the mentality, discipline – it was not there.”
His comments sparked speculation that several established names could miss out, especially after the coach insisted players who failed to meet standards would not be considered.
Six to be cut
At least six players from the preliminary squad are expected to be cut, while one goalkeeper will also miss out as FIFA regulations require each team to include three shot-stoppers.
Captain and first-choice keeper Ronwen Williams appears certain to lead the squad after regaining top form, while several younger players who impressed during March friendlies against Panama could benefit from Broos’ desire for fresh energy.
“I think we needed some new impulses and that will certainly reinstall the Bafana Bafana DNA,” Broos explained.
The coach has already been forced into changes, with injuries ruling out defender Siyabonga Ngezana, midfielders Bathusi Aubaas and Sipho Mbule, as well as forward Mohau Nkota.
Meanwhile, recalled stars such as Themba Zwane, Jayden Adams and Germany-based defender Ime Okon will hope to cement their spots in the final squad.
Warned against wholesale changes
Despite the pressure for change, Broos has warned against making wholesale adjustments so close to the tournament.
“We don’t have so much time anymore to make experiments,” he said.
“We have to go for the World Cup.”
South Africa will begin their Group A campaign against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June at the iconic Estadio Azteca, before facing South Korea and the Czech Republic as Bafana Bafana chase a place in the knockout rounds.
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