After Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos revealed the final squad heading to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many South Africans, of course, rushed to share their opinions. People especially commented on inviting the teammates who, unfortunately, didn’t make the cut.
Also see: Bafana Bafana announces 32-man FIFA World Cup squad
Bafana’s 26-man FIFA World Cup squad
During a send-off dinner at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane, Gauteng, on Wednesday evening, 27 May 2026, Hugo shared the following names of the soccer stars who will represent South Africa at the international tournament:
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (Siwelele)
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA)
- Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
- Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
- Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany)
- Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards
- Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
- Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
- Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley, England)
- Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Themba Zwane (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
Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabo Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), and Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City) missed out on the selection. Although they still attended the dinner with their teammates.
President Ramaphosa to the 6 players who didn’t make the final team – “Well done for making it this far. Your country is proud of you. You are exceptional.” 🇿🇦 #BafanaBafana #BafanaKaofela pic.twitter.com/z8zYWUxLXP
— Nonceba Mhlauli (@NoncebaMhlauli) May 28, 2026
Also see: Bafana Bafana’s World Cup 2026 fixtures: when to watch and why it matters
South Africans weigh in on Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
Thousands of local social media users headed to X with their thoughts. Some expressed their disappointment when their favourites didn’t make the squad, while others applauded Hugo’s choices.
“When will Bafana Bafana start? Asking with a broken heart because Peterson was not selected,” wondered @Lorreine81581.
@Ur_father2025 shared, “Well done to the coach. A very quality squad with quality players. All the best to the technical team, players, and South Africa.”
@BonganiMak97885 shared under the post, “All the best to every player being selected. It doesn’t matter anymore about who deserves to be there or not, just go there and represent us well and make history.”
A heartbroken @SuperXolani stated, “Look how painful it was for the other six players left out, having to watch the ceremony through the window.
#BafanaPride look how painful it was for the other 6 players left out, having to watch the ceremony through the window 💔💔😢 pic.twitter.com/qE2X5s6i0n
— Lord Pedro 💎 (@SuperXolani) May 27, 2026
Also see: Mama Joy pleads for funding to watch Bafana Bafana at 2026 World Cup
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
