South Africa announce provisional squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Cape Town, May 22
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has announced a provisional 32-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is set to captain the South African team as they will be aiming to feature at the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010, when they last participated as hosts.
Key players in Hugo Broos's squad include captain and goalkeeper Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena and striker Lyle Foster. Williams and Mokoena are among nine players selected from Mamelodi Sundowns, while Orlando Pirates also contribute nine players, including forward Oswin Appollis, according to the FIFA website.
The 32-man provisional squad will later be trimmed to 26 players for the final World Cup selection.
South Africa will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City Stadium. They will then head to Atlanta to take on Czech Republic before concluding their Group A fixtures against South Korea in Monterrey.
South Africa's preliminary World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen WilliamsRicardo GossSipho ChaineBrandon Peterson
DefendersKhuliso MudauOlwethu MakhanyaBradley CrossThabiso MonyaneThabang MatuludiNkosinathi SibisiAubrey ModibaKhulumani NdamaneIme OkonSamukele KabiniMbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders:
Teboho MokoenaJayden AdamsBrooklyn PoggenpoelLebohang MaboeThalente MbathaSphephelo Sithole
Forwards:
Oswin AppollisTshepang MoremiEvidence MakgopaLyle FosterIqraam RaynersRelebohile MofokengThemba ZwanePatrick MaswanganyiKamogelo SebelebeleThapelo MorenaThapelo Maseko.
South Africa's World Cup 2026 fixtures
June 11: Mexico v South Africa at Mexico City StadiumJune 18: Czechia v South Africa at Atlanta StadiumJune 24: South Africa v Korea Republic at Estadio Monterrey.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan from Canada, it's great to see South Africa back on the world stage. Hugely proud moment for African football! Rio 2014 was magic, and I hope they can recreate that spirit. 🇿🇦⚽ #WorldCup2026
Interesting squad mix from Sundowns and Pirates. Broos needs to get the final 26 right—players like Foster up front are key, but midfield options like Mokoena and Adams could be decisive. India should take notes on how to build depth! 🧠📋
South Africa has always had passion, but consistency at World Cups? That's the challenge. I remember 2010—vuvuzelas everywhere! Now they need to prove they can compete without home advantage. Good luck to them! 🎺🌍
Not impressed with the schedule—Mexico, Czech Republic, South Korea is a tough group. South Africa will need to be at their absolute best. The defense looks shaky on paper. Could be a short tournament for Bafana Bafana. 🤷♂️
Good to see South Africa back—they have a talented core. But honestly, I think they need to focus more on youth development. Broos has experience, but the squad selection feels a bit safe. That said, root for them! 🏆🇿🇦
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