Published • loading... • Updated
South Africa: Tough Calls and Painful Omissions Shaped Bruce's Final Bafana World Cup Squad
Broos kept the core intact, with 26 players named and only one major surprise as South Africa prepares for its first World Cup since 2010.
- South Africa coach Hugo Broos announced his final 2026 World Cup squad on Wednesday night in Pretoria at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, where President Cyril Ramaphosa greeted players on stage.
- Broos has overseen a Bafana revival highlighted by their best Africa Cup of Nations finish in 24 years with third place in Ivory Coast in 2024, though the team exited Morocco's tournament in the last 16 to Cameroon.
- The squad contains three goalkeepers, 11 defenders, four midfielders and eight strikers, anchored by captain Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns, with 22-year-old Olwethu Makhanya of Philadelphia Union and veteran Themba Zwane, 36, also selected.
- Bafana depart for Mexico on Sunday and open their World Cup on June 11 against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca in Mexico City, followed by Czechia in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea on June 24.
- Young stars like 20-year-old Mbokazi offer hope South Africa can exceed expectations as Group A's lowest-ranked team, while Makhanya's selection signals a shift in Broos's approach after MLS players forced the issue over the past 18 months.
Insights by Ground AI
29 Articles
29 Articles
South Africa: Tough Calls and Painful Omissions Shaped Bruce's Final Bafana World Cup Squad
The 26 players who will represent South Africa at the 2026 Fifa World Cup have been revealed. In total six players were cut from the preliminary squad, with one of those unfortunate to miss out being Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. Coach Hugo Broos has explained his some of his choices.
·South Africa
Read Full Article
The Union's Olwethu Makhanya surprisingly makes South Africa's World Cup team
Makhanya has never played for South Africa's team, but his time with the Union earned him this chance. Plus, the Union's Andrew Rick joins the U.S. World Cup team as a practice squad goalkeeper.
·Philadelphia, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources29
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
