South Africa name preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Lyle Foster
Bafana Bafana finally make a return to the World Cup after their 2010 appearance.
Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa, has revealed his initial team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The nation has been eager to learn at least which players would be travelling to the US, Canada, and Mexico.
South Africa will play World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the first game of the event on June 11. It will be their first appearance since 2010, when they hosted the competition back then.
Broos has made it clear that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his coaching career: “No, I haven’t reconsidered.”
He recently declared, “After the World Cup, I will stop coaching.”
He intends to leave the game he has dedicated his life to, go back to Belgium, and spend time with his grandchildren.
Although an extension has not been ruled out, SAFA has already started considering his successor and confirmed that the hiring process for a new coach will start soon.
However, Broos will now be focused on leading South Africa to the World Cup. He will be eager for the nation to perform after they failed to qualify in their last three World Cups.
Broos will reduce the number of names in his preliminary squad from 32 to 26 before making his final presentation at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
South Africa announce preliminary FIFA World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Brandon Peterson
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabiso Monyane, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayeden Adams, Brooklyn Poddenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko
Which group are South Africa in?
They are in group A
When is their first game?
It’s on 12th June at 12:30 am IST.
Who is the head coach of South Africa?
Hugo Broos
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.