South Africa have become the latest nation to name their squad to travel to North America in a bid to win the 2026 World Cup.
Hugo Broos is the current South Africa head coach, having been appointed in 2021, and the Belgian has named the 26-man squad that he hopes will have a big impact this summer.
There aren’t many names in the South African squad that will be recognisable to English fans, with the majority of these players competing in the South African Premiership but Burnley’s Lyle Foster is in the squad while the defence includes two Major League Soccer youngsters in Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Olwethu Makhanya.
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South Africa World Cup 2026 squad
| Squad number | Player | Position | Domestic club | International caps | International goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Sipho Chaine | GK | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 3 | 0 |
| 22 | Ricardo Goss | GK | Siwelele (South Africa) | 4 | 0 |
| 1 | Ronwen Williams | GK | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 62 | 0 |
| 6 | Aubrey Modiba | DF | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 44 | 3 |
| 3 | Khulumani Ndamane | DF | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 5 | 0 |
| 20 | Khuliso Mudau | DF | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 32 | 1 |
| 14 | Mbekezeli Mbokazi | DF | Chicago Fire (United States) | 10 | 1 |
| 19 | Nkistinathi Sibisi | DF | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 19 | 0 |
| 26 | Bradley Cross | DF | Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Samukele Kabini | DF | Molde (Norway) | 5 | 0 |
| 24 | Olwethu Makhanya | DF | Philadelphia Union (United States) | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Thabang Matuludi | DF | Polokwane City (South Africa) | 2 | 0 |
| 21 | Ime Okon | DF | Hannover (Germany) | 7 | 1 |
| 13 | Sphephelo Sithole | MF | Tondela (Portugal) | 27 | 1 |
| 4 | Teboho Mokoena | MF | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 51 | 9 |
| 11 | Themba Zwane | MF | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 53 | 12 |
| 7 | Oswin Appollis | MF | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 25 | 8 |
| 5 | Thalente Mbatha | MF | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 14 | 3 |
| 23 | Jayden Adams | MF | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 4 | 0 |
| 10 | Relebohile Mofokeng | MF | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 12 | 0 |
| 25 | Kamogelo Sebelebele | MF | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 2 | 0 |
| 17 | Evidence Makgopa | FW | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 26 | 6 |
| 12 | Thapelo Maseko | FW | AEL Limassol (Cyprus) | 9 | 1 |
| 9 | Lyle Foster | FW | Burnley (England) | 26 | 10 |
| 15 | Iqraam Rayners | FW | Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) | 13 | 4 |
| 8 | Tshepang Moremi | FW | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 9 | 1 |
One of the more locally influenced squads in this tournament, only seven players from the final 26 man roster announced for the tournament play their football outside of the Betway Premiership, with the most recognisable name of those seven being Burnley forward Lyle Foster.
Unsurprisingly, the two major teams of South African football – Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates – are very well represented. Both clubs will see no fewer than eight of their players head to the Americas this summer as part of this Bafana Bafana squad.
Hugo Broos, who is not the most popular coach among South African fans despite leading the nation back to the World Cup after a 16 year absence, has never been the most consistent with his team selection and only a handful of players will be guaranteed starters in the opening match of the tournament against Mexico.
- Read more: South Africa World Cup 2026 odds
Three players to look out for this summer
Lyle Foster (Burnley)
The most recognisable name to Premier League fans within this squad will be that of Burnley striker Lyle Foster. Although it’s been a tough year for him and the Clarets, the 25 year old has still chipped in with three goals and two assists and his intensity and pressing ability will be key for a South Africa outfit that will attempt to make up for a lack of quality by being one of the most hard-working teams in the tournament.
Broos will have to set his team up to spring counter-attacks and Foster’s pace and attacking threat will be key if Bafana Bafana are to carry any sort of goal threat in their group stage matches against Mexico, South Korea and Czech Republic. The Burnley man has scored 10 times for his country in 26 appearances and will be out to add to that tally this summer
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Hugo Broos has selected five defenders under the age of 23 in this squad, but the youngest of the lot is the most talented and most likely to start in this summer’s tournament. The 20 year old Mbekezeli Mbokazi has already played 10 times for his country, scoring one goal and putting in a particularly eye-catching performance in a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in qualifying for this competition.
Though not especially tall for a central defender, Mbokazi possesses unbelievable recovery pace, excellent positioning and a real composure on the ball that belies his tender age. Having only joined Chicago Fire earlier this year it’s unlikely he’ll make a move into European football just yet but a break-out tournament here could alert some scouts from the Premier League and beyond.
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
In a squad that is not blessed with tonnes of major tournament experience, the cool head and confidence of midfielder Teboho Mokoena will be key to ensuring that Bafana Bafana stick to the plan and stay structured and solid out of possession at this summer’s tournament.
The 29 year old has 50 caps and two South African Premiership titles to his name but more importantly than that, he is a well-rounded midfield technician with in-game intelligence and the kind of tactical discipline that this side needs. What’s more, he’s also a threat from set-pieces and with shots from distance – expect him to cause teams problems both in and out of possession this summer.
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South Africa World Cup 2026 fixtures
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