Foster, Mbokazi Lead Overseas Contingent To Make Broos’ Bafana Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

by Devesh Jaganath

image Foster, Mbokazi Lead Overseas Contingent To Make Broos’ Bafana Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
We are just over a month out from the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa are set to return to the global tournament for the first time in 16 years. Hugo Broos is expected to announce his provisional squad for the competition next week, and here we take a look at the overseas players who could make the cut.

Hugo Broos Faces Big Selection Decisions Around World Cup Selection

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to get underway on June 11 in North America, and the opening match of the competition is a replay of the curtain-raiser from the 2010 edition, with co-hosts Mexico set to take on South Africa at Estadio Azteca. We will be covering all the matches in our World Cup predictions. 

Bafana Bafana are returning to the global stage after a 16-year absence, and expectations for the team are high after an impressive qualification campaign in which they won their group, ultimately denying three-time African champions Nigeria a spot in the competition. 

There are also a few lingering concerns since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, though, where South Africa failed to get beyond the Round of 16. Hugo Broos alluded to a lack of international exposure as one of the main reasons for their downfall, and one that needs to be addressed ahead of the World Cup. 

The South African national team has largely been dominated by players who ply their trade in the DSTV Premiership, particularly for Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and perennial domestic champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are also set to feature in this season’s CAF Champions League final. 

However, several overseas players have been performing well in recent times, giving Broos plenty to ponder ahead of his preliminary World Cup squad announcement, which is expected to be made sometime next week, likely between May 11 and 14. 

 

Which Overseas Players Are In Form Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026? 

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Lyle Foster - South Africa’s number nine has endured a tough campaign with Burnley, who are already relegated from the Premier League. While he has struggled to find his best for his club, Foster has proven his worth in national colours and is a front-runner to lead the line for Bafana at the World Cup. 

Mbekezeli Mbokazi - Despite making an error that led to a goal against Cincinnati last weekend, Mbokazi has made an excellent transition to the MLS and has quickly become a fan favourite at Chicago Fire. While he did fall out with Broos ahead of the AFCON, they have since made amends, and the 20-year-old is expected to line up in the heart of the team’s defence. 

Siyabonga Ngezana - The Steaua Bucharest man has been a regular under Broos and has formed a nice partnership with Mbokazi in central defence, but he has been sidelined through injury of late, and his inclusion is in serious doubt unless he can make a return to full fitness. 

Samukele Kabini - Kabini looks set for a big season with Molde in the Eliteserien. He has featured in five of the team’s seven games this term, including the 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt at the weekend, and is firmly in the running to make the cut for Bafana. 

Thembinkosi Lorch - Broos recently acknowledged that Lorch has been performing well at his new club in Libya, Al Ittihad. However, he also pointed out that the midfielder operates in the same position as Themba Zwane and Relebohile Mofokeng, who are ahead of Lorch in the pecking order. 

Shandre Campbell - Club Brugge are on course to be crowned Belgian champions this season, but Campbell has not played for the team since early April. However, he does have 16 appearances in all competitions this term, including three in the Champions League, which could aid his Bafana selection hopes.