South Africa National Men’s Football Team head coach Hugo Broos has named his squad to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a heavy emphasis on defense. (Scroll down to view full list)
The 2017 AFCON winning head coach called up a whopping 11 defenders for the Bafana Bafana’s upcoming campaign at the World Cup.
The 11 defenders named in the squad include Chicago Fire’s Mbelekezi Mbokazi who drew the ire of Broos who slammed the timing of his move to Chicago (just before the 2025 AFCON) and his decision to pick the MLS ahead of potential moves to bigger European leagues.
South Africa have been drawn in Group A with World Cup co-host Mexico, Czechia and South Korea; South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opening game at the 2010 World Cup.
The squad was also dominated by players from reigning CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns with eight players called from the Premier Soccer League club including midfielder Teboho Mokoena and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
