Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, trimming his group ahead of South Africa’s global campaign. The announcement, which had been closely anticipated following weeks of evaluation camps and warm-up matches, saw several notable exclusions.
Among the biggest talking points were the omission of Kaizer Chiefs trio Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane and Lebogang Maboe and Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi. Their absence underlines Broos’ preference for form and balance as he shapes a squad he believes can compete on the world stage.
Bafana Bafana Squad Breakdown
In goal, Ronwen Williams leads a three-man department alongside Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine, offering a mix of leadership and competition for the number one jersey. The defensive unit includes Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, reflecting both experience and emerging talent across the backline.
In midfield, Broos has selected Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams, a group expected to provide control, energy and defensive stability. The attacking options feature Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Forster and Thapelo Maseko.
SAFA President Backs Bafana Bafana
SAFA president Danny Jordaan believes Bafana Bafana’s World Cup opener against Mexico revives memories of 2010 and could inspire Hugo Broos’ side toward a long-awaited knockout-stage breakthrough. As the team prepares to face the world’s best, they will be drawing on the experience of their FIFA World Cup campaign.
Here is the full Bafana Bafana squad:
- Ronwen Williams
- Ricardo Goss
- Sipho Chaine
- Khuliso Mudau
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Ime Okon
- Khulumani Ndamane
- Aubrey Modiba
- Samukelo Kabini
- Thabang Matuludi
- Olwethu Makhanya
- Kamogelo Sebelebele
- Bradley Cross
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Teboho Mokoena
- Thalente Mbatha
- Sphephelo Sithole
- Jayden Adams
- Oswin Appollis
- Iqraam Rayners
- Tshepang Moremi
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Evidence Makgopa
- Themba Zwane
- Lyle Forster
- Thapelo Maseko
For more information on the FIFA World Cup, visit the 2026 FIFA World Cup Wikipedia page.
