The Belgian mentor unveiled the squad during a ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday, with several high-profile dignitaries in attendance. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, and South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan joined Broos on stage for the announcement.

The occasion marked another major milestone in Bafana Bafana’s journey back to football’s biggest stage, with the national side preparing to carry the hopes of millions of South Africans into the global showpiece.

Hugo Broos - Morgan Piek

Addressing both the players and the nation, President Ramaphosa praised the squad for their achievement and reminded them of the responsibility that comes with representing South Africa on the international stage.

The President described the team as ambassadors for the country who have the opportunity to inspire the nation throughout the tournament in North America.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, making it the biggest edition of the tournament in history.

Broos admitted that selecting the final squad came with several sleepless nights, acknowledging that difficult decisions had to be made as he worked to assemble the strongest possible group to represent South Africa.

“There were some hard decisions to make,” said Broos.

“When you select a squad and make a list of players, you will always disappoint some players, and I know the disappointment for those who had to drop out tonight will be very, very hard.

“It’s a World Cup. We want to go to the World Cup, so these are decisions that have to be made. I was a player myself, so I know how they will feel after I announced the 26 players.

Oswin Appollis - Morgan Piek

“That is also part of the job. My assistant, Helman Mkhalele, and I spent the past few weeks sitting in the office discussing combinations — if we take this player, then another one has to drop out. There were some very difficult decisions, but that is part of my job, and I hope I chose the right players.”

Before departing for North America, Bafana Bafana will play one final farewell match on home soil when they take on Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00, with thousands of supporters expected to turn out in large numbers to give the national side a passionate send-off.

The clash will provide Broos with one final opportunity to fine-tune combinations and assess match sharpness before the tournament begins.

Lyle Foster - Morgan Piek

SAFA has also confirmed that South Africa will face Jamaica in an international friendly in Mexico as part of their final World Cup preparations. The additional fixture is expected to help the squad adapt to conditions in North America ahead of the opening stages of the tournament.

Broos and his charges have already been hard at work in recent months, having faced Panama in two international friendlies earlier this year as the coaching staff continued to build momentum and test combinations.

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup journey officially ramps up in the lead-up to the tournament opener at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June, with anticipation steadily growing among South African football fans eager to see the national team compete against the world’s best once again.

2026 Bafana Bafana World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Rowen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Khulumani Ndamane

Midfielders: Tebogo Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko

Morgan Piek OFM Sport