Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has repeatedly noted that he has a strong sense of who will make up the majority of his 23-26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
But has he decided yet? No, and with just a few weeks before the World Cup begins, the pressure on fans to find out is mounting.
Bafana Bafana will kick off their campaign against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June 2026 before further fixtures against Czechia and South Korea.
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The squad speculations
The likes of Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Oswin Appollis can feel certain that if they are fully fit, they will be at the World Cup, as they are usually Hugo Broos’ favourite starting line-up in most international matches.
However, Broos has often rotated in recent months, particularly the last two March friendlies against Panama, following an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 exit in Morocco. There may, therefore, still be time for some late surprises.
The team selection has seldom been universally approved during his five years in charge. With Bafana heading to their first World Cup in 16 years, the South African Football Association (SAFA) seems to be fully supporting their Belgian coach. Despite his eccentricities, Hugo has earned the trust of the South African public, as the team has successfully qualified for both AFCON and the World Cup.
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Players who might be considered
One thing is certain: the team with the most selected players will be between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, objectively the best two teams in the PSL right now. Player like:
- Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine for Orlando Pirates: Sipho was snubbed for the March Panama friendlies. This prompted speculation over his future in the national team. If he is once again missing out on the squad, it would likely not be due to purely footballing reasons, as he has been tremendous in the PSL.
- Goalkeeper Sage Stephens for Stellenbosch FC: A steady hand for Stellenbosch as captain and goalkeeper, Sage Stephens would be a good alternative for Ronwen Williams. Plus, Stephens has featured in Broos’ Bafana squad before, and the Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper’s form has improved in recent months.
- Centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi for Chicago Fire FC: Mbokazi is quickly turning into the star of the Bafana Bafana team and continues to play out of his skin for the national team.
- Fullback Khuliso Mudau for Mamelodi Sundowns: Mudau was not at his best against Panama, but he remains South Africa’s best right-back by some distance.
- Midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng for Orlando Pirates: President “Yama2k”, how can he miss the World Cup? Mofokeng had a spell out of Broos’ team towards the end of Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifying campaign. He is one of the rising stars of the team and is a likely starter now that he has rediscovered his spark for the Pirates.
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Featured image: Supplied
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