South Africa has announced its full 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s the fourth time the country has qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana qualified for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament. South Africa hopes they can finally advance past the group stage in their fourth attempt.
Head coach Hugo Broos announced the full squad earlier today. The captain and absolute leader of the team is Ronwen Williams. The 34-year-old goalkeeper from Mamelodi Sundowns is the most experienced player in the squad with 62 caps for the country. Another very important player is Burnley striker Lyle Foster. He netted ten goals in 26 matches for the South Africans. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena is also one of the key players carrying the South African team. Just like Williams, he plays in the domestic league for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Full Squad South Africa For The 2026 FIFA World Cup
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)
Qualification For The 2026 FIFA World Cup
South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a tough group with favorites Nigeria, Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. South Africa started strong with a 2-1 home win against Benin, but stumbled in their first away game, losing 2-0 to Rwanda. During the third game against Nigeria, the South Africans took home a very important draw. Nigeria struggled heavily early on in the group, and after South Africa beat Zimbabwe 3-1, they opened up a four-point lead over the Super Eagles. The South Africans then secured a 2-0 win over Lesotho, but found themselves in hot water after the match. Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play but featured anyway, prompting the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to award Lesotho a 3-0 walkover victory.
With Nigeria winning their game, the gap was only one point. South Africa got back on track and beat both Benin (0-2) and Lesotho (0-3). Nigeria took four out of the six points, conceding a very late equalizer at home against Zimbabwe. South Africa successfully held off Nigeria to secure a point in Bloemfontein, but the result allowed Benin to catch up and pull even on points. South Africa dropped points in the away game against Zimbabwe, while Benin took the three points in the away game against Rwanda. With one final match to go, Benin was on top of the group with 17 points. South Africa had 15 points, and Nigeria was still looking for the top spot with 14 points. Nigeria beat Benin at home 4-0 while the South Africans took advantage and defeated Rwanda 3-0 in Mbombela to end top of the group and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026 FIFA World Cup
South Africa is part of Group A. Bafana Bafana play the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City, Mexico, where they will take on hosts Mexico. Seven days later, they take on Czechia in Atlanta, Georgia. For their final group stage match, they travel back to Mexico. In Monterrey, they play South Korea on June 24. The two group winners and the eight best third-placed teams from each group will advance to the next stage.
South Africa Schedule
- June 11 – Mexico (3 pm EST)
- June 18 – Czechia (12 pm EST)
- June 24 – South Korea (9 pm EST)
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