Bafana Bafana Preliminary 2026 World Cup Squad Confirmed by Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed a preliminary 32-player South Africa squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the group set to be reduced to 26 players before the tournament begins.

South Africa are preparing to return to the global finals for the first time since they hosted the competition in 2010. The latest squad gives Broos a wider group to assess before the final list is submitted.

The preliminary selection includes several key names, with captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams leading the group. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena and Burnley striker Lyle Foster have also been included as South Africa continue their World Cup preparations.

Full Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams
Ricardo Goss
Sipho Chaine
Brandon Peterson

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau
Olwethu Makhanya
Bradley Cross
Thabiso Monyane
Thabang Matuludi
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Aubrey Modiba
Khulumani Ndamane
Ime Okon
Samukele Kabini
Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena
Jayden Adams
Brooklyn Poggenpoel
Lebohang Maboe
Thalente Mbatha
Sphephelo Sithole

Forwards

Oswin Appollis
Tshepang Moremi
Evidence Makgopa
Lyle Foster
Iqraam Rayners
Relebohile Mofokeng
Themba Zwane
Patrick Maswanganyi
Kamogelo Sebelebele
Thapelo Morena
Thapelo Maseko

Bafana Bafana Preliminary 2026 World Cup Squad Confirmed by Hugo Broos

Squad to Be Reduced to 26 Players

The 32-player squad is still provisional. It will be reduced to 26 players before the World Cup.

All squads remain provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA after participating teams submit their final selections on 2 June.

That means Broos still has decisions to make before confirming the final Bafana Bafana squad for the tournament.

South Africa’s 2026 World Cup Fixtures

Bafana Bafana will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on 11 June.

The match will be a repeat of the opening fixture from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. After that, Broos’ side will travel to Atlanta to face Czechia on 18 June.

South Africa will then complete their Group A schedule against Korea Republic at Estadio Monterrey on 24 June.

Group A Fixtures

11 June: Mexico v South Africa, Mexico City Stadium
18 June: Czechia v South Africa, Atlanta Stadium
24 June: South Africa v Korea Republic, Estadio Monterrey

Broos Moves Closer to Final World Cup Group

The announcement of the preliminary squad is an important step in South Africa’s build-up to the tournament.

Broos has selected 32 players for now, but only 26 will make the final World Cup squad. The final list will confirm which players will represent Bafana Bafana when they return to the biggest stage in world football.

Bafana Bafana Preliminary 2026 World Cup Squad Confirmed by Hugo Broos