South Africa Head Coach Hugo Broos has named his final squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and United States.
The final 26-man squad was revealed on Wednesday at an event that was graced by the South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.
It should be noted that last week, a preliminary squad of 32 players was announced and it is from here that the final squad has been named.
Goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, defender Thabsio Monyane, midfielders Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Lebohang Maboe, attacker Patrick Maswanganyi, and utility player Thapelo Morena are the six that have not made the final squad.
South Africa will play a friendly game against Nicaragua on Friday in Soweto before heading to Mexico.
It should be noted that Bafana Bafana are pooled in Group A that has Mexico, Czechia and South Korea.
South Africa will face hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament, on the evening of Thursday 11 June – exactly 16 years after the two teams met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup at the FNB Stadium.
South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders:
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).
Midfielders:
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus, loan).
