The announcement was made in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings, bringing closure to weeks of camps and evaluation matches.

South Africa have been drawn in Group A with hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. Their campaign opens against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener.

Broos' final selection reflects a clear focus on form and balance, with six players cut from his preliminary squad.

Notable omissions include Kaizer Chiefs trio Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane and Lebogang Maboe, as well as Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena and Durban City's Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

Captain Ronwen Williams leads a three-man goalkeeping unit alongside Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine.

The defence includes Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

In midfield, Broos has selected Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams.

The attack features Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster and Thapelo Maseko.

The squad includes a return for Zwane after injury, while Adams earns recognition following a strong domestic season with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Olwethu Makhanya receives a maiden World Cup call-up after impressing in the United States with Philadelphia Union.

Bafana will base themselves in Pachuca, Mexico, training at the Universidad del Futbol to acclimatise to altitude conditions.

Before departure, they face Nicaragua in a final send-off match in Johannesburg on 29 May 2026.

Bafana Bafana final squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns),Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)

Forwards

Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).

Hugo Broos names 26-man Bafana Bafana squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup