South Africa named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 27 in Pretoria, featuring two uncapped defenders, Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross [1, 2, 3]. Makhanya, 22, plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, while 25-year-old Cross is a left-back for Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa [1, 2, 3].
Coach Hugo Broos included 19 players from the South African league alongside seven players based abroad, including five in Europe and two in the United States [1, 2, 3]. The squad features eight players each from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, the two leading clubs in recent South African football, with Sundowns having won the CAF Champions League for the second time on May 25 and Orlando Pirates ending the Sundowns' eight-title streak by winning the South African Premiership on May 24 [3].
Veteran 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane was named for his experience, while Burnley striker Lyle Foster will lead South Africa's attack [1, 2, 3]. The regular left-back Aubrey Modiba remains despite a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the CAF Champions League final second leg [1, 2, 3]. Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was a surprise omission due to appendix surgery [3].
South Africa will play Mexico on June 11, the Czech Republic on June 18 in Atlanta, and South Korea on June 24 in Monterrey in Group A matches at the World Cup [1, 2, 3]. This tournament will be 74-year-old coach Hugo Broos's final before retirement [1, 2, 3]. Upon announcing the squad, Broos said, "I know those players who had to drop out will be very disappointed tonight. There were some very difficult decisions to be made. I hope I have chosen the right ones" [1, 2, 3].
South Africa has appeared in three previous World Cups: 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010, exiting at the group stage each time [1, 2, 3]. The team now prepares for its opening match against Mexico on June 11 to begin their campaign.
