With just 42 days to go before Bafana Bafana kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Mexico, anticipation is building across South Africa as fans await the final squad announcement. Drawn in Group A, Bafana will face hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic in what promises to be an exciting group.
As the nation awaits the final squad announcement, FARPost editor Mthokozisi Dube has stepped into the selector’s shoes to predict the 23-man squad tasked with leading the charge on the global stage.
Head coach Hugo Broos has suggested that around 70% of his squad is already settled, following recent friendly matches against Panama. Bafana suffered a 2-1 defeat in Cape Town after playing out a 1-1 draw in Durban.
“Everything depends a little bit on the shape of the players,” Broos said. “Maybe in the next weeks, they will not play anymore in their teams, or pick up injuries, or that kind of thing.
“But for 70-75% of the selection is already in my head and will not change. Not even if we play a bad game tomorrow. But there are still some positions that I want to decide on in the next weeks before I make my choice.”
Realistically, South Africa are expected to play just one more international friendly in May before departing for Mexico. This leaves little room for major changes, barring any injuries to key players.
Here is my predicted 23-man squad for the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
WHO I THINK WILL MAKE THE BAFANA BAFANA SQAUD FOR THE WORLD CUP?
In the goalkeeping department, Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine are my three selections. At the back, I’ve gone for Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Samkelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
In midfield, my picks are Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha and Themba Zwane. Up front, I’ve selected Tshepang Moremi, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Morena, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa.
The three additional players on standby would be Iqraam Rayners, Mohau Nkota, and Olwethu Makhanya.
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