Bafana Bafana’s Preliminary Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Announced
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed his preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician has selected a mix of established players, overseas-based talent, and those who have performed well in the Betway Premiership. The squad will be reduced to 26 players at the Union Buildings next Wednesday.
The team features players from various clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, who have four representatives in the squad. This comes after criticism from some Amakhosi supporters that Broos had overlooked players from South Africa’s biggest club.
Meet the Preliminary Bafana Bafana World Cup Squad
The goalkeepers selected are Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), and Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs).
The defenders include 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), and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
The midfielders are Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), and Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela).
The forwards selected are 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), and Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures
Bafana Bafana’s journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin with a highly anticipated match against hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca. This will be a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener. They will then travel to Atlanta to face the Czech Republic.
Hugo Broos’ side will conclude their Group A programme against South Korea in Guadalupe, aiming 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
