Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The announcement, made after an initial preliminary squad, marks a significant step for South Africa's national team as they prepare for a historic campaign.

A notable aspect of the squad selection is the club representation, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns forming the core of the group. Eight players from Orlando Pirates made the final cut: Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Evidence Makgopa. Mamelodi Sundowns also contributed a significant number of players, including captain Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, and Iqraam Rayners.

Conversely, Kaizer Chiefs saw only one representative in the final squad: defender Bradley Cross. This selection sparked considerable frustration among Kaizer Chiefs supporters on social media, who voiced their disappointment over the perceived oversight of Amakhosi players by coach Broos. Fans pointed out that Chiefs players have largely been overlooked in recent years, with no regular representation during the World Cup qualifying campaign or in the 2023 and 2025 AFCON tournaments. Bradley Cross is also one of only two uncapped players selected, alongside Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, adding an element of surprise to his inclusion.

Several players who were part of the preliminary squad did not make the final 26-man roster. These include Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Lebohang Maboe, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Thapelo Morena, and Patrick Maswanganyi. Among the surprise inclusions, Iqraam Rayners' selection has drawn attention due to his limited game time under Broos and struggles for regular minutes at Mamelodi Sundowns during the latter half of the season.

The full 26-man Bafana Bafana World Cup squad is as follows:

• Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
• Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96 - Germany), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK – Norway), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union – USA), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire – USA)
• Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela – Portugal), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Forwards: Lyle Foster (Burnley – England), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol – Cyprus)

Before departing for Mexico, Bafana Bafana will play a World Cup send-off match against Nicaragua on Friday at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. Reports also suggest a potential friendly against Jamaica before their opening World Cup fixture.

South Africa has been drawn into Group A, where they will face formidable opponents: Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Korea. Their World Cup campaign schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, June 11: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 KO
• Thursday, June 18: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 KO
• Thursday, June 25: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 KO

Historically, Bafana Bafana made their FIFA World Cup debut in France in 1998, failing to progress past the group stage. In 2002, they came agonizingly close to reaching the knockout rounds. The nation also hosted the tournament in 2010. This 2026 campaign offers another opportunity for South Africa to make its mark on the global stage.