Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 32 player preliminary squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the national team set to begin preparations in Johannesburg next week before the final travelling squad is confirmed in Pretoria.
The preliminary squad announcement marks the start of South Africa’s final preparations for the tournament, which kicks off on 11 June 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The final 26 player squad will officially be announced on 27 May at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
South Africa has been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and Czech Republic.
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Bafana Camp to Begin in Johannesburg
According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), Bafana Bafana will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, 25 May 2026.
However, the initial training camp will begin with only 24 players available as Mamelodi Sundowns players and several overseas based footballers remain committed to club duties abroad.
Sundowns are currently preparing for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Moroccan side AS FAR at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
The club is only expected to return to South Africa on Tuesday, 26 May.
Final 26 Player Squad to Be Revealed in Pretoria
The final FIFA World Cup squad announcement will take place at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
SAFA confirmed that:
- President Cyril Ramaphosa
- SAFA President Danny Jordaan
- senior football officials
- invited guests
are expected to attend the official squad reveal.
The final travelling squad will consist of 26 players.
Orlando Stadium to Host Bafana Send Off Match
As part of the team’s preparations, Bafana Bafana will also play an international send off match in Gauteng before travelling to North America.
Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium has been selected to host the fixture against Nicaragua.
Bafana Send Off Match Details
| Match | Date | Venue | Kick Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs Nicaragua | 29 May 2026 | Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg | 18h00 |
Football authorities say the match will provide supporters with an opportunity to see the national team before the start of the FIFA World Cup.
South Africa Returns to the FIFA World Cup Stage
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks South Africa’s return to football’s biggest tournament after missing several previous editions.
The draw, held in Washington DC in December 2025, placed Bafana Bafana in Group A alongside:
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Czech Republic
South Africa will open its campaign against Mexico on 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The fixture will also form part of the opening phase of FIFA’s expanded 48 team tournament.
Expanded Tournament Means Higher Global Attention
The 2026 edition will become the largest FIFA World Cup in history.
For the first time:
- 48 national teams will participate
- matches will take place across three countries
- the tournament will run for more than a month
Host nations include:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
The competition will run from 11 June until 19 July 2026.
Gauteng Remains Central to Bafana Preparations
Gauteng continues playing a major role in Bafana Bafana’s preparations ahead of the global tournament.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are hosting:
- the preliminary training camp
- the final squad announcement
- the official send off match
Football analysts say Gauteng’s sporting infrastructure, stadiums and transport networks continue making the province a central hub for national football activities.
Orlando Stadium in particular remains one of South Africa’s most iconic football venues and is expected to attract significant supporter interest ahead of the Nicaragua fixture.
Pressure Builds Around Final Squad Selection
Attention now turns to which players will make the final 26 member squad.
Broos is expected to balance:
- experienced senior internationals
- overseas based players
- local league performers
- younger talent
The inclusion of Sundowns players may also influence the final squad selection following the club’s CAF Champions League commitments.
Football supporters across Gauteng and South Africa are already debating potential selections, injuries and starting line ups ahead of the final announcement.
Bafana Looking to Build on Recent Momentum
Bafana Bafana has shown improved consistency under Hugo Broos in recent years, with the team regaining competitiveness on the continental stage.
Football analysts say qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents:
- growing squad stability
- improved tactical organisation
- stronger player development
- renewed supporter optimism
The 2026 tournament is also expected to provide younger South African players with greater international exposure.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the upcoming Bafana Bafana activities are expected to generate significant public interest and economic activity.
The squad announcement and Orlando Stadium send off match could contribute to:
- increased tourism activity
- hospitality demand
- fan engagement
- local business activity around match venues
The tournament also places South African football back on the global stage, with Gauteng once again serving as a central hub for national team operations and supporter activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the final Bafana squad be announced?
The final 26 player FIFA World Cup squad will be announced on 27 May 2026 in Pretoria.
Where will Bafana Bafana play their send off match?
Bafana Bafana will face Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
When is the Nicaragua match?
The match will take place on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 18h00.
Which teams are in South Africa’s World Cup group?
South Africa is in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and Czech Republic.
When does Bafana Bafana play their opening World Cup match?
South Africa will face Mexico on 11 June 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
What Happens Next?
Bafana Bafana’s preliminary training camp will begin in Johannesburg on 25 May as preparations intensify ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Attention will then shift to the final squad announcement in Pretoria before the team plays its official send off fixture against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on 29 May. South Africa will then travel to North America ahead of its opening World Cup clash against Mexico in June.
