The 26-man squad was revealed during a special ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday evening. President Cyril Ramaphosa was also present and joined Broos in greeting the players as they were introduced.
One of the standout selections is young defender Olwethu Makhanya, who has continued to impress since moving to Philadelphia Union in the United States. The former Stellenbosch FC centre-back has been highly rated in South Africa’s junior national structures and now earns a place on the biggest stage.
Striker Iqraam Rayners also secured a place in the squad after an outstanding domestic season with Mamelodi Sundowns. His omission from previous national team squads had raised questions among supporters, but Broos has now handed him an opportunity at the World Cup.
Experienced midfielder Themba Zwane, who recently recovered from injury concerns, was another notable inclusion as Broos opted to include experienced heads alongside the younger players.
Several players who were part of the preliminary 32-man squad failed to make the final cut. These include Brandon Peterson, Thabiso Monyane and Lebohang Maboe. Injured defender Thapelo Morena, midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel and forward Patrick Maswanganyi were also omitted from the final selection.
Captain Ronwen Williams is expected to lead the team alongside key figures such as Teboho Mokoenaand Khuliso Mudau. Exciting young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who now plays for Chicago Fire FC, is also expected to play an important role during the tournament.
Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs was another player who earned a place in the final squad after impressing at left-back.
Bafana will continue their preparations with an international friendly against Nicaragua national football team at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening before departing for Mexico on Sunday.
South Africa will begin their World Cup journey against co-hosts Mexico national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11. They will then face Czech Republic national football team and South Korea national football team in their remaining Group A fixtures.
This will be South Africa’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup since the country hosted the tournament in 2010 and their first qualification through the qualifiers since the 2002 edition.
Bafana Bafana Final 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders:
Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders:
Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko