South Africa are set to compete at the global finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, though their road there was far from easy. Qualification came down to the wire on the final matchday of the African qualifiers. Placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Benin, and Rwanda, South Africa proved hard to beat, drawing home and away with Nigeria and losing only twice. One of those defeats was a 2-0 victory to Lesotho that was later overturned into a 3-0 loss for South Africa, after it was ruled that Teboho Mokoena had been ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards. They finished top of the group with a record of five wins, three draws, and two losses.
The squad is headlined by captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, and Burnley striker Lyle Foster. Forward Oswin Appollis, who plays for Orlando Pirates, also earns a place. Two uncapped defenders, Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross, were named as well. Although neither featured during qualifying, a desire for greater depth at the back led to their inclusion.
The biggest surprises were the omissions of Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and winger Mohau Nkota, the latter having impressed during the qualifying campaign. Belgian coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the disappointment among those left out. "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." Even so, the coach is confident his side can progress. "For me, the first goal in this group stage is to get three points as soon as possible. I'm convinced that if we have three points, we will go to the next stage, especially given that eight third-placed teams advance from the group stage at this World Cup."
South Africa have been drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and Czechia. The Bafana Bafana play the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City, where they face the hosts. Seven days later, on June 18, they meet Czechia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. They close out the group stage on June 24 in Monterrey, where they take on South Korea.
South Africa 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Khulumani Ndamane(Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Kamgogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole (CD Tondela), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)