South Africa Announce 2026 World Cup Squad

South Africa have named their final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, including uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross, alongside veteran midfielder Themba Zwane. Coach Hugo Broos largely kept the core team that secured qualification after 16 years, with Burnley striker Lyle Foster expected to lead the attack. President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the squad in Pretoria, praising their achievement ahead of the tournament. South Africa will face Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea in Group A, while Broos confirmed the World Cup will be his final tournament before retirement.

South Africa have announced their final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Hugo Broos naming uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross as part of his selection, alongside experienced midfielder Themba Zwane.
The squad announcement, made on Wednesday, 27 May, reflects Broos’ decision to largely stick with the core group of players that helped South Africa secure qualification for their first World Cup appearance in 16 years. While the squad includes a few new faces, most of the players have been consistent members of the national team setup throughout the qualification campaign.
Olwethu Makhanya, 22, who plays for Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union, and Bradley Cross, 25, formerly of Newcastle United’s academy and now with Kaizer Chiefs, were included to strengthen defensive options. Neither player featured in the qualifying matches, but both have earned their places through strong club performances.
In midfield, veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, aged 36, has been retained despite his age, with coach Broos emphasizing that his creativity, leadership, and experience will be crucial in high-pressure tournament matches. Burnley striker Lyle Foster is expected to lead the attack as South Africa’s main forward option.
The squad also includes regular left-back Aubrey Modiba, who was initially a doubt after missing the second leg of the CAF Champions League final due to a hamstring strain, but was still deemed fit enough for selection. Notably, 19 of the 26 players selected ply their trade in the South African Premier Soccer League, highlighting the domestic league’s strong representation in the national team.
President Cyril Ramaphosa formally presented and praised the squad at a ceremony in Pretoria, expressing national pride and support for the team as they prepare for the global tournament. He commended the players, coaching staff, and technical team, stating that they carry the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.
South Africa has been placed in Group A, where they will begin their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June. They will then face the Czech Republic in Atlanta on 18 June, followed by their final group match against South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June.
Coach Hugo Broos acknowledged that selecting the final squad involved difficult decisions, noting that several players were disappointed to miss out. He described the World Cup as a dream opportunity for any player and stressed the importance of readiness and unity within the squad.
Broos, aged 74, has also confirmed that the tournament will mark the end of his coaching career, with the Belgian tactician set to retire after the World Cup. He previously appeared at the 1986 World Cup as a player for Belgium, where the team reached the semi-finals before finishing fourth.
South Africa will be making their fourth World Cup appearance, having previously qualified in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010. In all three previous appearances, they exited at the group stage, and will now be aiming to progress beyond the first round for the first time in their history. No