Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 32-member preliminary squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the selection heavily dominated by players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The announcement comes as both clubs remain locked in the race for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title. Orlando Pirates need a victory against Orbit College FC on Saturday to secure the championship, while a draw or defeat would see Mamelodi Sundowns retain the league crown. Sundowns are also chasing continental success as they prepare to face Morocco’s ASFAR in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.
The squad also includes four Kaizer Chiefs players in a surprise move, especially after Broos previously questioned whether Chiefs players were performing at the level required for national team selection.
Bafana Bafana will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, although the camp will initially begin with 24 players, as Sundowns players and overseas-based stars are still unavailable due to club commitments abroad.
The final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup will be officially announced next Wednesday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan are expected to join Broos for the announcement ceremony.
As part of preparations for the global showpiece, Bafana Bafana will face Nicaragua in a World Cup send-off match at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg next Friday.
South Africa has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. Bafana will open their World Cup campaign against Mexico on 11 June at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, in what will also be the opening match of the expanded 48-team tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
🧤 Goalkeepers
- Imé Okon — Hannover 96 (Germany)
- Ronwen Williams — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Samukele Kabini — Molde FK
- Ricardo Goss — Siwelele FC
- Mbekezele Mbokazi — Chicago Fire FC
- Sipho Chaine — Orlando Pirates FC
⚙️ Midfielders
- Brandon Peterson — Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Teboho Mokoena — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
🛡️ Defenders
- Jayden Adams — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Khuliso Mudau — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Brooklyn Poggenpoel — Durban City FC
- Olwethu Makhanya — Philadelphia Union
- Lebohang Maboe — Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Bradley Cross — Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Thalente Mbatha — Orlando Pirates FC
- Thabiso Monyane — Kaizer Chiefs FC
- Sphephelo Sithole — CD Tondela
- Thabang Matuludi — Polokwane City FC
🎯 Forwards
- Nkosinathi Sibisi — Orlando Pirates FC
- Aubrey Modiba — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Oswin Appollis — Orlando Pirates FC
- Tshepang Moremi — (club not listed clearly)
- Khulumani Ndamane — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Evidence Makgopa — Orlando Pirates FC
- Lyle Foster — Burnley FC
- Iqraam Rayners — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Relebohile Mofokeng — Orlando Pirates FC
- Themba Zwane — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Patrick Maswanganyi — Orlando Pirates FC
- Kamogelo Sebelebele — Orlando Pirates FC
- Thapelo Morena — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- Thapelo Maseko — AEL Limassol
