Broos has confirmed his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America – the country’s first appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010 and only the second time they have qualified on merit, after 2002.
At the 2010 World Cup on home soil, Bafana drew 1-1 with Mexico – a match remembered forever for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic opener – before losing 3-0 to Uruguay and drawing 2-2 with France, exiting in the group stage. In 2002, their last merit qualification, they also went out in the group stage.
On 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, history repeats itself as South Africa face Mexico in the tournament opener. They then meet Czech Republic on 18 June in Atlanta before facing South Korea on 25 June in Guadalupe.
Broos has named a squad dominated by Betway Premiership players, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates providing the bulk. Lyle Foster of Burnley is the only top-flight European representative.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol – on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns)
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
