Hugo Broos has named the official Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, confirming the 26 players who will represent South Africa at the country’s first World Cup since 2010.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African Football Association (SAFA) president Dr Danny Jordaan.
Quick facts: Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup squad
- Coach: Hugo Broos
- Captain: Ronwen Williams
- Squad size: 26 players (3 goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 4 midfielders, 8 forwards)
- Group: Group A — South Africa, Mexico, South Korea, Czech Republic
- First match: 11 June 2026 vs Mexico, Estadio Azteca (tournament opener)
- Send-off friendly: 29 May 2026 vs Nicaragua, Orlando Stadium, 18h00
- Team base: Pachuca Universidad del Futbol, Mexico
Full Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup squad
Goalkeepers (3): Ronwen Williams (captain), Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders (11): Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders (4): Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams
Forwards (8): Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko
Hugo Broos Builds his Bafana Bafana Squad Around Champions
The Belgian head coach has drawn heavily from the two clubs that defined the 2025/26 South African football season. Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh from beating AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate to lift the CAF Champions League trophy in Rabat on Sunday, provide a significant contingent.
So do Orlando Pirates, who clinched the Betway Premiership title on the final day of the domestic season. Continental and league silverware now feeds directly into Bafana Bafana’s World Cup preparation and the timing could not have been better scripted.
Goalkeepers: Williams Leads From the Back
Captain Ronwen Williams retains his place between the posts, his composure and shot-stopping a cornerstone of South Africa’s qualifying campaign. He is supported by Ricardo Goss and Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine, who takes the third goalkeeping berth in the Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup squad.
Defence: Experience Meets Emerging Talent
The defensive unit blends familiar names with fresh blood. Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Nkosinathi Sibisi provide the spine, but the headline inclusion is 22-year-old Olwethu Makhanya, who travels to the World Cup uncapped at senior level.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Bradley Cross also earns his place on the plane, reward for consistent domestic form. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Ime Okon complete an 11-strong defensive group built for tactical flexibility.
Midfield: A Streamlined Engine room
Broos has trimmed his midfield to just four players, reflecting his trust in attacking depth. Teboho Mokoena, arguably the squad’s most influential creator, leads the unit alongside Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams.
Attack: Foster, Zwane and a Wealth of Options
The forward line is the most populous department in the Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup squad. Burnley striker Lyle Foster headlines the attack, partnered by the evergreen Themba Zwane. Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners and Evidence Makgopa offer pace and penetration through the middle, while Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko and Tshepang Moremi provide width and crossing threat.
Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup Group A fixtures
South Africa face one of the most demanding openers in tournament history. Group A pits Bafana against co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic.
- 11 June 2026 — Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (tournament opener)
- Matchday 2 — South Africa vs Czech Republic, Atlanta
- Matchday 3 — South Africa vs South Korea, Monterrey
To progress to the round of 32, Bafana need to finish in the top two of Group A or among the eight best third-placed teams in the expanded 48-nation format.
The opener carries enormous historical weight. The last time these two nations met at a World Cup opener was 11 June 2010, when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s left-footed strike against Mexico at Soccer City became the soundtrack of an entire continent’s tournament. Sixteen years on, Bafana Bafana have the chance to write a new chapter.
Nicaragua Send-off Friendly at Orlando Stadium
Before flying out to the Americas, Bafana have one final piece of home business. The send-off friendly against Nicaragua takes place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday, 29 May 2026, with kick-off at 18h00. It is the squad’s only scheduled international warm-up before departure; any further match practice will be played behind closed doors against local Mexican opposition once the team has settled into camp at Pachuca Universidad del Futbol.
Frequently asked questions
Who is in the Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup squad?
The 26-man squad named by Hugo Broos comprises three goalkeepers (Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine), 11 defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards. The full list is detailed above.
When do Bafana Bafana play their first 2026 World Cup match?
South Africa face co-hosts Mexico on 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It is the opening match of the entire tournament.
Who is the Bafana Bafana captain for the 2026 World Cup?
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams continues as Bafana Bafana captain.
What group is South Africa in at the 2026 World Cup?
Bafana Bafana are in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Where is the Bafana Bafana send-off friendly?
At Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday, 29 May 2026 against Nicaragua, kick-off 18h00.
When was the last time Bafana Bafana played at a FIFA World Cup?
South Africa last appeared at a World Cup in 2010, when the country hosted the tournament.
Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is supported by SAFA and broadcast partners SABC Sport. The FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across host nations Mexico, Canada and the United States.
