Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially named his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, with the tournament set to mark the end of an extraordinary coaching journey for the veteran Belgian tactician.
At 74 years old, Broos has already confirmed that the World Cup will be the final chapter of his coaching career, bringing the curtain down on decades in football both as a player and manager.
There is poetic symmetry in the occasion. The Belgian famously retired from international football as a player after the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he helped Belgium secure an impressive fourth-place finish. Four decades later, he returns to the same country hoping to guide South Africa to a memorable campaign on the global stage.
For South African football supporters, simply qualifying for the tournament already represents major progress. Bafana Bafana have only appeared at three previous World Cups — France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010 — failing to progress beyond the group stages each time.
Now, under Broos, there is renewed belief that this generation can compete more strongly against the world’s best.
The squad itself reflects a healthy balance between experience, local dominance and emerging international talent. Mamelodi Sundowns once again form the backbone of the national team, with several key players included following the club’s continued dominance in African football.
Captain Ronwen Williams headlines the goalkeeping department alongside Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine. Williams will undoubtedly be one of South Africa’s most important players, bringing leadership, experience and composure to the squad.
Defensively, Broos has selected a mixture of established PSL performers and overseas-based talent. Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba provide reliability and attacking quality from Sundowns, while players like Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini highlight the growing number of South Africans gaining experience abroad.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena remains the heartbeat of the side. His energy, composure and ability to control matches will be crucial if Bafana are to compete against elite opposition. Alongside him, Jayden Adams and Thalente Mbatha offer physicality and technical quality, while Sphephelo Sithole adds valuable European experience from Portugal.
The attacking unit is perhaps the most exciting aspect of the squad. Relebohile Mofokeng enters the tournament as one of South Africa’s brightest young stars after a breakout season with Orlando Pirates. Alongside him are the dangerous Oswin Appollis, the hard-working Evidence Makgopa and Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who will likely carry much of the goalscoring responsibility.
Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane also returns, bringing invaluable leadership and calmness to the squad despite his advancing age.
For Hugo Broos, this tournament is about more than results. It is the culmination of years spent rebuilding belief, discipline and structure within South African football. Regardless of how far Bafana Bafana progress in Mexico, Broos has already helped restore pride and optimism around the national team.
Now, South Africa heads to the World Cup dreaming of finally making history beyond the group stages.
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