On 27 May, the South African Football Association announced the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in Pretoria. Notably, uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross were included, while Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was a surprise omission.
The squad is largely built around the core of South Africa's two biggest clubs: Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, each contributing eight players. Sundowns won their second CAF Champions League title on 26 May, while Pirates ended an eight-year title drought by Sundowns, winning the domestic league after 12 years.
Coach Hugo Broos said dropping Petersen was a difficult decision: "I know the players left out will be very disappointed tonight. There were very tough choices. I hope I picked the right ones." Petersen had been called up for pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama two months ago but underwent an appendectomy.
Left-back Bradley Cross (25) came through the Newcastle United academy and now plays for Kaizer Chiefs. Centre-back Olwethu Makhanya (22) plays for Philadelphia Union in MLS. Neither has played in qualifiers, but Broos wanted more defensive options. First-choice left-back Aubrey Modiba was retained despite a hamstring injury suffered in the CAF Champions League final.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster leads the attack, while veteran midfielder Themba Zwane (36) was retained for his experience. Of the 26 players, 19 play in the domestic league, five in Europe, and two in the United States.
South Africa are in Group A, playing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match on 11 June, then facing Czech Republic in Atlanta (18 June) and South Korea in Monterrey (24 June). This is South Africa's fourth World Cup appearance, after 1998, 2002, and 2010 (as hosts). On all three previous occasions, they were eliminated in the group stage.
Broos, 74, said the 2026 World Cup will be the final tournament of his coaching career: "There can be no better ending for a player and a coach than to go to a World Cup. I am leading a team of warriors. Who knows what we can achieve?"
South Africa's 2026 World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Samukele Kabini (Molde/Norway), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union/USA), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire/USA), Ime Okon (Hannover/Germany)
Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane (all Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/Portugal)
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (both Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley/England), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol/Cyprus), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns)
