Bafana coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Belgian tactician set to reduce the group to 26 players at the Union Buildings next Wednesday.
The squad features a blend of established names, overseas-based talent and a few players who have enjoyed strong domestic campaigns in the Betway Premiership.
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Notably, Kaizer Chiefs have four players in the squad after more than a year of criticism from sections of the Amakhosi support that Broos had overlooked players from South Africa’s biggest club.
PRELIMINARY BAFANA BAFANA WORLD CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Forwards
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
FIXTURES
Bafana Bafana’s road at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin with one of the biggest fixtures in the country’s football history.
South Africa open their campaign against hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener before later travelling to Atlanta to face the Czech Republic.
Hugo Broos’ side will then conclude their Group A programme against South Korea in Guadalupe as they look to reach the knockout stages. Here are Bafana Bafana’s fixtures in South African time:
- Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00
- Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00
- Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00.
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