Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced a preliminary 32-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The squad is subject to change, with Broos still undecided on his final selection.
Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in their opening match on 11 June, and with just three weeks to go, the pressure is on to finalise the squad. The South African Football Association (SAFA) only made the preliminary squad available on Thursday, despite it being submitted to FIFA last year.
There are some surprise inclusions in the preliminary squad, including Lebohang Maboe, Iqraam Rayners, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane, and Brooklyn Poggenpoel. The trio of Maboe, Monyane, and Cross have been in good form this season, helping Kaizer Chiefs secure third place in the Betway Premiership.
Preliminary Squad Selection
Hugo Broos has included three Kaizer Chiefs players in the preliminary squad, a departure from his previous selections. In the past two major tournaments, Broos did not select any Amakhosi players. The inclusion of Maboe, Monyane, Cross, and Brandon Petersen is a significant change in approach.
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. A win and a draw could be enough to secure qualification from the group, or even one win if they finish as one of the best third-place finishers.
The final World Cup squad is expected to be announced by 1 June, as per FIFA’s deadline. Broos will need to cut at least six to nine players from the preliminary squad, and the next few days will be crucial in determining which players make the final cut.
Road to the World Cup
Bafana Bafana’s path to the knockout rounds is challenging, but not impossible. With a strong squad and a bit of luck, they could reach the knockout rounds for the first time. The team’s performance in the group stage will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing.
