South Africa’s Bafana Bafana squad unveiled for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, led by head coach Hugo Broos, has finalized its 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

After initially naming a 36-man preliminary squad last week, Broos has trimmed the roster to 23 players, omitting 13 from the original selection.

Among the notable inclusions are familiar faces such as captain Rowan Williams, Percy Tau from Al Ahly, and Teboho Mokoena from Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally, emerging talents like Siyabonga Ngezana, Relebohile Mofokeng, and the returning Lyle Foster have earned their spots in the squad.

South Africa currently occupies the second position in Group C with three points, while Nigeria sits closely behind in third place with two points from two matches. Other teams in the group include Rwanda, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

The group winner will secure automatic qualification for the historic 48-team World Cup set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Meanwhile, the top four runners-up from all groups will advance to a playoff, competing for a spot in a six-team intercontinental tournament.

The highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and South Africa is scheduled for Friday, June 7, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.