This young and exciting Bafana Bafana team are confident of advancing past the group stage for the first time.
Sixteen years ago, South Africa gave the world the vuvuzela, that screamer by Siphiwe Tshabalala against Mexico, and a tournament no one will forget. Now Bafana Bafana are back, and this time, they want to play more than just three games.
Having sealed their place with a commanding 3-0 win over Rwanda, the team coached by Belgian gaffer Hugo Broos topped Group C ahead of Nigeria in one of Africa’s tightest qualifying battles. It will be their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, having also featured in 1998, 2002 and 2010 — never advancing past the group stage.
They are drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, Republic of Korea, and Czechia.
Quick facts
- Captain: Ronwen Williams
- Manager: Hugo Broos
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 4
- Best World Cup result: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
FIFA World Cup 2026 – South Africa’s final squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).