Nine Orlando Pirates Players Named in South Africa’s Preliminary World Cup Squad
Orlando Pirates have emerged as one of the best-represented clubs in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with nine of their players named by coach Hugo Broos in his 32-man selection.
The nine Pirates players included are goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi, midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Patrick Maswanganyi, and forwards Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, and Tshepang Moremi.
A Strong Club Showing
The size of Pirates’ representation reflects the club’s influence on South African football heading into one of the country’s biggest sporting moments. Mamelodi Sundowns also have nine players in the preliminary squad, making these two clubs the most represented in Broos’ selection.
Among the wider squad, captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, and Burnley striker Lyle Foster are highlighted as key figures for Bafana Bafana.
What Happens Next
The 32-man group is a preliminary selection. It will be reduced to a final squad of 26 players ahead of the tournament. The final squad is expected to be announced on May 27, with FIFA set to confirm all participating teams’ final lists on June 2.
None of the players named at this stage are guaranteed a place at the World Cup until the final squad is confirmed.
South Africa’s World Cup Return
South Africa will be appearing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament. Broos’ side have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, Czechia, and Korea Republic.
Their opening match is against Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, which repeats the fixture that opened the 2010 tournament. They then face Czechia in Atlanta on June 18, before rounding off their group stage against Korea Republic in Monterrey on June 24.
South Africa’s Group A Fixtures:
- June 11: Mexico v South Africa, Mexico City Stadium
- June 18: Czechia v South Africa, Atlanta Stadium
- June 24: South Africa v Korea Republic, Estadio Monterrey
For the Pirates players named in this squad, the coming weeks will be crucial as Broos finalises his choices ahead of South Africa’s long-awaited return to the world stage.
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