Bafana Bafana Return To The World Cup Stage As Hugo Broos Includes Ime Okon In Preliminary Squad

22/05/2026

South Africa have unveiled their preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos named a 32-man provisional squad on Wednesday, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talents as the 1996 African champions prepare for a historic return to the global showpiece.

Among the standout inclusions is defender Ime Okon, the highly-rated centre-back born to a Nigerian father and South African mother. The 22-year-old has steadily risen through the South African football system and is regarded as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects.

Okon’s story adds another fascinating layer to South Africa’s World Cup squad. Eligible to represent both Nigeria and South Africa, the Hannover 96 defender chose Bafana Bafana and now finds himself on the verge of football’s grandest stage.

The squad is captained by veteran goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while key figures such as Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane and Burnley striker Lyle Foster are expected to carry much of South Africa’s hopes in North America.

South Africa’s qualification already represents a major milestone for the nation. Since hosting the 2010 World Cup — where they became the first host nation in history to exit in the group stage — Bafana Bafana had failed to qualify for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. Their return under Broos signals a significant revival for South African football.

Bafana have been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, Czechia and South Korea in what promises to be a difficult but exciting group. Their opening match against Mexico will also evoke memories of the iconic opening game of the 2010 World Cup, when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the tournament’s most memorable goals in a 1-1 draw against the same opponents.

South Africa’s World Cup Group Stage Program

June 11: Mexico vs South Africa — Mexico City
June 18: Czechia vs South Africa — Atlanta
June 24: South Africa vs South Korea — Monterrey

South Africa Preliminary World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Brandon Peterson (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
Ime Okon (Hannover 96)
Samukele Kabini (TS Galaxy)
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City)
Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Sphephelo Sithole (Gil Vicente)

Forwards

Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu)
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Lyle Foster (Burnley)
Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
Kamogelo Sebelebele (TS Galaxy)
Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns)

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