South Africa’s 2026 World Cup Squad: Foster to Lead, Broos Bows Out

Broos picks experience and youth for South Africa’s World Cup return

Morena and Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi miss out as South Africa name their squad for a first World Cup appearance since 2010.

Lyle Foster will lead the line as Hugo Broos names his final squad before retiring. Bafana Bafana open against Mexico on June 11...

South Africa have included uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross in their final squad for the 2026 World Cup, with 36-year-old midfielder Themba Zwane also making the cut. Notable omissions include Morena and Maswanganyi.

Coach Hugo Broos kept changes to a minimum, opting largely for the core group that secured Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup appearance in 16 years.

South Africa will open the tournament against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, then face Group A opponents Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24.

Makhanya, 22, is a center-back for Philadelphia Union in MLS. Cross, 25, is a left-back for Soweto club Kaizer Chiefs after spending time in Newcastle United’s academy.

Neither player featured during qualifying, but Broos called them up to add depth in defense. Left-back Aubrey Modiba was also included despite missing Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final second leg on Sunday with a hamstring issue.

Burnley forward Lyle Foster will spearhead the attack, and Broos believes Themba Zwane’s experience and creativity on the ball are crucial for the side. Nineteen of the 26-man squad play in the South African league.

Thapelo Morena would likely have been included but is out injured, while Patrick Maswanganyi missed out despite helping Orlando Pirates win their first league title in 14 years.

The World Cup will be the final tournament for Belgian coach Hugo Broos, 74, who has confirmed he will retire from coaching after the finals.

The former defender retired from international duty after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he was part of the Belgium squad that finished fourth.

“I know those players who had to drop out will be very disappointed tonight,” Broos said. “There were some very difficult decisions to be made. I hope I have chosen the right ones.”

South Africa have played at three 

World Cups before, making their debut in 1998. They also qualified in 2002 and hosted the tournament in 2010, but were eliminated in the group stage each time.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

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

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence ⁠Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), ⁠Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, ‌Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

 

The final Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦🔥 2026 FIFA World Cup squad is LOCKED IN! ⚽💛💚 From the safe hands in goal to the clinical forwards, these are the players who will represent South Africa on the global stage.

#BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbankza… pic.twitter.com/d9B9NPIpqF

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 27, 2026