Broos names preliminary World Cup squad

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has named his preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana have been drawn in Group A, where they will open their campaign against hosts Mexico, in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June, before facing Czechia and South Korea.

Broos’ charges will also face Nicaragua in a friendly on Friday, 29 May before they jet off to Mexico.

Notably, Kaizer Chiefs have four players in the squad after more than a year of criticism from sections of Amakhosi supporters who felt Broos had overlooked players from the country’s most supported club.

Broos will name his final squad on Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The much anticipated tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FULL SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Brandon Petersen.

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole.

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko.

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

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari