Hugo Broos has confirmed his final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as South Africa prepare for a historic campaign in Mexico, USA and Canada from 11 June.
The Belgian coach had initially announced a preliminary squad before trimming the group down to 26 players at the Union Buildings on Wednesday night.
The final selection features a blend of experienced internationals, overseas-based stars and several standout performers from the Betway Premiership.
FINAL BAFANA BAFANA WORLD CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96 -Germany), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK – Norway), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union – USA), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire – USA)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela – Portugal), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards: Lyle Foster (Burnley – England), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates),
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol – Cyprus).
Kaizer Chiefs are represented in the squad after months of debate around the club’s lack of national team representation. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns once again form the core of the group following their dominant domestic campaigns.
Also read: Eight Orlando Pirates players make final Bafana World Cup squad
FIXTURES
Bafana Bafana’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with one of the biggest fixtures in South African football history.
The 1996 African champions will open their campaign against hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca. It will be a rematch of the memorable 2010 FIFA 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 secure a place in the knockout stages.
- 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.
South Africa’s FIFA World Cup History
1998 FIFA World Cup – France
South Africa made their FIFA World Cup debut in France but were unable to progress beyond the group stage, finishing third in Group C and 24th overall. Bafana Bafana opened with a heavy 3-0 defeat to hosts France before recovering with a 1-1 draw against Denmark and an entertaining 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.
2002 FIFA World Cup – South Korea/Japan
Bafana Bafana came heartbreakingly close to reaching the knockout rounds in 2002, ultimately finishing third in Group B and 17th overall.
South Africa drew 2-2 with Paraguay, secured their first-ever World Cup victory with a 1-0 win over Slovenia, and pushed Spain all the way in a narrow 3-2 defeat. They missed out on qualification only on goals scored.
2010 FIFA World Cup – South Africa
As tournament hosts, Bafana Bafana qualified automatically for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They produced memorable moments, including a famous 2-1 victory over France and a 1-1 draw against Mexico. However, a damaging 3-0 loss to Uruguay saw them finish third in Group A and 20th overall. They became the first host nation in World Cup history to fail to advance beyond the group stage.
