Road to the Americas: Hugo Broos Names Preliminary Bafana Bafana World Cup Squad

The dream is officially taking shape. National team head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his preliminary Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.

The initial selection features an exciting blend of trusted domestic generals, elite overseas-based professionals, and a notable revival for the Glamour Boys. Sections of the Naturena faithful have long criticized the Belgian tactician for overlooking their stars, but Broos has answered the call by naming four Kaizer Chiefs players to the preliminary roster.

Broos will cut this preliminary group down to the final 26-man traveling squad during a formal announcement at the Union Buildings next Wednesday.

Preliminary Bafana Bafana World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs).

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane (both Kaizer Chiefs); Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates); Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City); Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA); Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany); Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway); Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs); Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates); Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City); Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal).

Forwards

Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (all Orlando Pirates); Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, Thapelo Morena (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Lyle Foster (Burnley, England); Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).

World Cup Group A Fixtures & Kick-off Times

South Africa has been placed in a thrilling Group A, launching their campaign with a historic rematch of the 2010 opening day thriller before traversing North America.