After years of rebuilding, near misses and patient progress under Hugo Broos, South Africa is finally preparing for football’s biggest stage again.
Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially been revealed, with the Belgian coach naming a 32-player group ahead of the country’s long-awaited return to the global tournament for the first time since 2010.
For many South African football fans, this moment feels bigger than just another squad announcement. It marks the return of genuine belief around the national team after years spent drifting away from the world’s elite competitions.
Also see: World Cup news: Teams announce their squads
Familiar names make the cut
At the heart of the squad is captain Ronwen Williams, whose leadership and consistency have become central to Bafana’s recent rise. Midfield engine Teboho Mokoena also features prominently, alongside Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who is expected to play a major role in attack.
The squad heavily reflects the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates this season, with both clubs contributing nine players each.
That influence is hardly surprising.
Sundowns continue to set the standard locally and remain in pursuit of continental success, while Pirates have enjoyed one of their strongest campaigns in years, competing fiercely across multiple competitions.
Broos has largely stayed loyal to the core group that helped guide South Africa back into the World Cup conversation, but there is also room for exciting younger talent.
One of the names generating excitement is Relebohile Mofokeng, whose fearless style and rapid rise have made him one of the country’s brightest prospects. Fellow Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis also earned selection after an impressive season.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of players linked to Kaizer Chiefs has added another talking point, especially given the club’s struggles in recent seasons.
The current 32-man squad will still be reduced before the tournament begins, with FIFA requiring nations to submit a final list of 26 players by 2 June.
South Africa’s journey at the tournament starts with a fixture loaded with history.
The road to the FIFA World Cup
Bafana will open their campaign against co-hosts Mexico’s national football team in Mexico City, a repeat of the unforgettable opening match from the 2010 World Cup hosted on South African soil.
That game remains one of the most iconic moments in South African football history, remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s famous opening goal and the sound of vuvuzelas echoing across the country.
This time, however, South Africa arrives not as hosts but as a side hoping to prove it belongs among the world’s best again.
Bafana will then travel to Atlanta to face the Czech Republic national football team before concluding their group-stage fixtures against the South Korea national football team in Monterrey.
The announcement also underlines how much stability Broos has brought since taking charge. When he first arrived, South African football was struggling with inconsistency and identity issues. Now, there is a clearer structure, stronger discipline and growing confidence inside the camp.
While the final squad announcement later this month will inevitably bring disappointment for some players, the bigger picture is already clear: South Africa is heading back to the World Cup with momentum, belief and perhaps its strongest sense of direction in years.
Also see: World Cup news: South African squad predictions
South Africa’s preliminary World Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Brandon Peterson
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 World Cup fixtures:
11 June: Mexico vs South Africa – Mexico City Stadium
18 June: Czechia vs South Africa – Atlanta Stadium
24 June: South Africa vs Korea Republic – Estadio Monterrey
Compiled by Aiden Daries
First published on Cape {town} Etc
Also see: Minister of Sport announces Super Fan squad heading to the World Cup
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