Story by Mthokozisi Dube
SOUTH Africa’s Bafana Bafana have unveiled a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Hugo Broos opting for an experienced core as the team prepares for the global football showcase in Canada, Mexico and the United States next month.
The announcement comes with just two weeks remaining before the tournament kicks off, as 10 African nations prepare to carry the continent’s hopes on football’s biggest stage.
South Africa joins Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo among Africa’s representatives at the tournament.
Bafana Bafana received an official send-off from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday night.
The squad is dominated by locally based players, with 19 selected from the domestic league. CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns and Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates each contributed eight players to the final squad.
Broos has largely maintained faith in his trusted players as South Africa seeks to move beyond the group stages for the first time in the country’s history.
Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane was among the surprise inclusions after recently making cameo appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns.
South Africa will be making their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, having previously featured in 1998, 2002 and 2010 when they hosted the tournament.
Bafana Bafana have won two matches in nine World Cup fixtures, defeating Slovenia 1-0 in 2002 and France by the same scoreline in 2010.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea.
Broos has also hinted that the tournament could mark the end of his coaching career, with the Belgian tactician reportedly determined to bow out on a high note.
