A total of four Kaizer Chiefs players have been included in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as announced by coach Hugo Broos. This comes ahead of the tournament, which kicks off next month.
The preliminary squad consists of 32 players, and the team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday. However, the camp will start with 24 players, as the Mamelodi Sundowns players and the overseas-based contingent will still be out of the country. Sundowns will only return to South Africa on Tuesday, following their CAF Champions League final against AS Far in Morocco.
Selection Uncertainty for Kaizer Chiefs Players
The final team for the FIFA World Cup will be announced on 27 May 2026, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. Coach Broos will be joined by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa. Out of the 32 players, Broos will likely trim the squad to 26 players, meaning six players might lose out. With four Kaizer Chiefs making the preliminary squad, only Brandon Petersen has a good chance of making the final cut.
Lebohang Maboe might get the cut, with other players such as Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, and Teboho Mokoena preferred. Another player who is almost certain to miss out is Thabiso Monyane, given the fact that Bafana has Kamohelo Sebelebele and Thabang Matuludi as Khuliso Mudau’s backup. Bradley Cross will have to fight it out with Samkelo Kabini, who did not impress at the last AFCON.
Kaizer Chiefs Players’ Chances of Making the Final Squad
According to the preliminary squad announcement, the competition for a spot in the final squad will be fierce. The Amakhosi star was not in Broos’ plans, and given his age, he is unlikely to be a regular. As the final squad announcement approaches, the question remains: which Kaizer Chiefs players will catch the plane to the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
