South Africa Name Final 26-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup as Broos Backs Returning Zwane
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has officially unveiled his final 26-man Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician releassd his squad this Wednesday, May 27.
One of the biggest headlines from the final selection is Broos’ decision to place his faith in Themba Zwane, despite the veteran playmaker only recently returning from injury. The inclusion highlights the coach’s confidence in the Mamelodi Sundowns captain’s leadership, creativity and tournament experience.
In contrast, there was no place for “Chef” Sipho Mbule, whose absence is set to raise eyebrows. The gifted midfielder played an instrumental role during South Africa’s 2025 AFCON campaign and their successful World Cup qualifying run, making his omission one of the squad’s biggest surprises.
South Africa’s Final 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams
Ricardo Goss
Sipho Chaine
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau
Olwethu Makhanya
Thabang Matuludi
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Khulumani Ndamane
Ime Okon
Samukele Kabini
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Aubrey Modiba
Bradley Cross
Kamogelo Sebelebele
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena
Jayden Adams
Thalente Mbatha
Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards
Oswin Appollis
Thapelo Maseko
Evidence Makgopa
Lyle Foster
Iqraam Rayners
Relebohile Mofokeng
Themba Zwane
Tshepang Moremi
Qualification Journey
Bafana Bafana’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was far from straightforward.
Hugo Broos’ side showed resilience throughout the qualifiers and ultimately finished top of their group, despite suffering a points deduction following the Teboho Mokoena suspension controversy.
South Africa were docked points after Mokoena was fielded in a match he should have missed due to yellow-card accumulation, an administrative oversight reportedly caused by a lapse within the technical staff.
Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana responded strongly, producing disciplined performances to seal qualification and underline their steady rise under Broos.
South Africa’s Group Opponents
Bafana Bafana have been drawn against:
- Mexico
- Czech Republic
- South Korea
It is a competitive group, but one that presents South Africa with a realistic opportunity to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
South Africa’s Complete Group Stage Programme
June 11, 2026
South Africa vs Mexico
June 18, 2026
South Africa vs Czech Republic
June 25, 2026
South Africa vs South Korea
With experienced figures such as Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane, alongside exciting young talents including Relebohile Mofokeng, South Africa will head into the tournament hoping to make a statement and secure their first FIFA World Cup knockout qualification.
