Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his final 26-man squad for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The global showpiece is set to kick off on 11 June 2026, featuring a blockbuster opening match. South Africa will square off against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Coyoacán, Mexico City. The fixture sets up a thrilling repeat of their memorable 2010 World Cup opening showdown on South African soil.
Broos’ charges have been drawn in a challenging Group A, where they will also battle it out against South Korea and the Czech Republic.
The tournament marks Bafana’s return to the world football stage for the first time in 16 years. South Africa last featured in the tournament in 2010, when they made history as the first—and so far only—African nation to host the FIFA World Cup.
BAFANA TO SET UP BASE CAMP IN PACHUCA
Bafana will be based in Pachuca, Mexico, for the better part of the tournament. The team will host their training sessions at the Universidad del Futbol.
Broos previously stated that selecting this specific high-altitude city was a tactical decision to help the squad acclimate to the local conditions well ahead of the tournament’s opening showdown.
The Belgian tactician cut his 32-man preliminary squad down to the final 26-man squad on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The announcement took place alongside president Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Following the squad announcement, Bafana will lock horns with Nicaragua in a send-off match on Friday, 29 May 2026, in Johannesburg.
The international friendly will serve as their final preparatory match on local soil before the squad jets off to North America.
NOTEWORTHY NAMES OMITTED FROM BAFANA BAFANA WORLD CUP SQUAD
Broos made some decisions, leaving out several high-profile stars. Notably, Al-Ittihad SC forward Thembinkosi Lorch has missed out on the squad selection. Broos also opted against selecting the Mamelodi Sundowns defensive duo of Keanu Cupido and Grant Kekana in his preliminary squad.
Other high-profile exclusions who failed to make the cut for the trip to Mexico include the likes of Gift Links, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Mohau Nkota, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, and Luther Singh.
However, there were six players left out of the squad by Broos from the actual 32-man preliminary squad. The players are Brandon Petersen [Kaizer Chiefs], Thabiso Monyane [Kaizer Chiefs], Brooklyn Poggenpoel [Durban City], Lebohang Maboe [Kaizer Chiefs], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates], Thapelo Morena [Mamelodi Sundowns].
BAFANA BAFANA FINAL SQUAD FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
GOALKEEPERS
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates]
DEFENDERS
Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Khulumani Ndamane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Samukele Kabini [Molde FK], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City], Olwethu Makhanya [Philadelphia Union], Kamogelo Sebelebele [Orlando Pirates], Bradley Cross [Kaizer Chiefs], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Chicago Fire]
MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Jayden Adams [Mamelodi Sundowns],Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Sphephelo Sithole [CD Tondela]
FORWARDS
Oswin Appollis [Orlando Pirates], Iqraam Rayners [Mamelodi Sundowns], Tshepang Moremi [Orlando Pirates], Relebohile Mofokeng [Orlando Pirates], Evidence Makgopa [Orlando Pirates], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Lyle Foster [Burnley FC], Thapelo Maseko [AEL Limassol].
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