Bafana Bafana have finalised their 26-man World Cup squad to tackle the planet’s finest in the Americas. One Kaizer Chiefs star will be on the plane.
Bafana Bafana announce 2026 World Cup squad
Hugo Broos has announced his 26-man squad to tackle World Cup Group A in the Americas, which also features Mexico, Czechia and South Korea. Left-sided defender Bradley Cross is the sole Chiefs representative in the 26-man group. Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly seems to be an undercover Bafana supporter after rocking the green away jersey. The Gunners teenager was left out of England’s squad, so he’ll have some time on his hands during the tournament.
Final Bafana squad
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Bradley Cross, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams
Attackers
Lyle Foster, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Thapelo Maseko
Bafana’s 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Thu, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, 21:00 KO
- Thu, 18 June: Czechia vs South Africa, 18:00 KO
- Thu, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, 03:00 KO
Kaizer Chiefs could clear out several senior men
According to various reports, as many as seven senior players have their Kaizer Chiefs contracts expiring in June. They are Gaston Sirino, Khanyisa Mayo, Zitha Kwinika, Bruce Bvuma, Dillan Solomons, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Pule Mmodi. With Mayo showing glimmers of form and Mmodi always a useful guy to deploy in several attacking positions, the other five are likeliest to leave. Furthermore, the club is readying a new contract for Brandon Petersen. The ‘keeper claimed 15 clean sheets from 24 appearances in the 2025-26 Betway Premiership season.
