South Africa has unveiled its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, featuring two uncapped defenders, Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross. The announcement, made by coach Hugo Broos in Pretoria, reflects a strong influence from local clubs, particularly Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, each contributing eight players to the roster.
Both clubs recently celebrated significant victories, with Sundowns clinching the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League title for the second time after defeating Moroccan side FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Pirates secured the South African Premiership championship, breaking Sundowns' eight-year title streak.
A notable exclusion from the squad is goalkeeper Brandon Petersen of Kaizer Chiefs, who had been in excellent form. Petersen was expected to participate in World Cup warm-up matches against Panama but missed out due to appendix surgery. Broos's selection largely mirrors the squad that marked Bafana Bafana's return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, with 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane also included.
The squad comprises 19 players from the South African league, alongside five competing in Europe and two in the United States. Makhanya, 22, plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, while Cross, 25, is a left-back for Kaizer Chiefs, having previously been part of the academy at Newcastle United.
Broos expressed that the decision-making process was challenging, stating, “I know those players who had to drop out will be very disappointed tonight. There were some very difficult decisions to be made. I hope I have chosen the right ones.” Regular left-back Aubrey Modiba has also been included, despite missing the CAF Champions League final due to a hamstring injury.
Leading the attack will be Burnley striker Lyle Foster, with Broos relying on Zwane's experience to guide the team. South Africa's opening match will be against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, followed by fixtures against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24.
Historically, South Africa has participated in three World Cups, debuting in 1998 and qualifying again in 2002. They also hosted the tournament in 2010 but were eliminated in the group stages each time. Despite being considered underdogs in Group A, Broos remains optimistic about the team's potential to advance, referencing Morocco's surprising semifinal run in the last tournament.
This World Cup will mark a significant conclusion to Broos's coaching career, as he has announced his intention to retire following the tournament. The 74-year-old former defender previously ended his international playing career after the 1986 World Cup, which was also held in Mexico. He remarked, “There cannot be a greater ending to my time as a footballer and a coach than going to a World Cup. I am in charge of a squad of fighters. Who knows what we may achieve?”
South Africa's World Cup 2026 squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Samukele Kabini (Molde/Norway), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union/USA), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire/USA), Ime Okon (Hannover/Germany)
- Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane (all Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/Portugal)
- Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (both Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley/England), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol/Cyprus), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns)
