Bafana announce final 26-man squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Hugo Broos has officially named his final 26-man 2026 FIFA World Cup squad as South Africa national football team prepare for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

The squad announcement was made in Pretoria on 27 May alongside Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opening match against co-hosts Mexico national football team on 11 June 2026.

The final selection blends experienced leaders with exciting young talent, including uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross.

Hugo Broos backs experienced core for World Cup

Broos has retained the trusted spine that helped South Africa qualify for the tournament, with captain Ronwen Williams leading the squad alongside senior figures such as Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena.

The squad also reflects the growing international footprint of South African footballers, with players based across:

• England
• Germany
• Norway
• Portugal
• Cyprus
• United States

Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Goalkeepers

• Ronwen Williams
• Ricardo Goss
• Sipho Chaine

Defenders

• Khuliso Mudau
• Aubrey Modiba
• Khulumani Ndamane
• Olwethu Makhanya
• Bradley Cross
• Thabang Matuludi
• Nkosinathi Sibisi
• Kamogelo Sebelebele
• Ime Okon
• Samukele Kabini
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders

• Teboho Mokoena
• Jayden Adams
• Thalente Mbatha
• Sphephelo Sithole

Forwards

• Oswin Appollis
• Tshepang Moremi
• Evidence Makgopa
• Relebohile Mofokeng
• Lyle Foster
• Iqraam Rayners
• Themba Zwane
• Thapelo Maseko

Bafana Bafana World Cup fixtures

South Africa will compete in Group A.

11 June 2026

• Mexico national football team vs South Africa national football team
• Venue: Estadio Azteca

18 June 2026

• Czech Republic national football team vs South Africa national football team
• Venue: Atlanta Stadium, USA

24 June 2026

• South Korea national football team vs South Africa national football team
• Venue: Estadio Monterrey

Excitement builds around South Africa’s World Cup return

The announcement has sparked major excitement among South African football fans as Bafana Bafana prepare for their first FIFA World Cup appearance in years.

Supporters will also be watching closely to see whether young talents like Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis can make a breakthrough on the global stage alongside established stars such as Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane.

Read Inbound SA online