Broos names preliminary Bafana Bafana World Cup squad
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos named a 32-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with South Africa set to face Mexico, Czechia and South Korea in Group A.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 32-man preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup set to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
There are seven overseas-based players in the squad, including Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is set to captain Bafana Bafana as the nation returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have nine players each in the squad. Bradley Cross and Makhanye are among the fresh faces selected.
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Broos will announce the final squad on Wednesday.
South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces preliminary 2026 FIFA World Cup squad #BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbankza @10betza @freddyhirschsa @flysaa @honorza @castlelagersa @cocacolaza @sabcsport @nutritechfit @southernsunhotels @sociosdotcom pic.twitter.com/5VHfF59kep
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 21, 2026
Mexico will host Bafana Bafana in the opening match of the World Cup on June 11, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, in a repeat of the South Africa 2010 curtain-raiser.
They will then travel to Atlanta to face Czechia before rounding off their Group A campaign against the Republic of Korea in Monterrey.
The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, and the camp will start with 24 players, as the Mamelodi Sundowns players and the overseas-based contingent will still be out of the country.
Sundowns will only return to South Africa on Tuesday, as they face Morocco side AS Far in the second leg of their CAF Champions League final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.
As part of the national team’s preparations for the tournament, Orlando Stadium will host Bafana Bafana’s send-off match against Nicaragua on Friday.
