Hugo Broos Names Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad Ahead of Nicaragua Friendly

by Devesh Jaganath

image Hugo Broos Names Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad Ahead of Nicaragua Friendly
South Africa became the latest team to confirm their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday afternoon. Head coach Hugo Broos announced his final 26-man contingent at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, which includes two uncapped players.
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South African Fans Divided Over Broos’ World Cup Squad Selection

World Cup fever is starting to spread across Mzansi, with South Africa set to return to the football’s grandest stage in less than two weeks for the first time since hosting the global tournament back in 2010. 

Before departing for North America, Bafana Bafana will face Nicaragua at the Orlando Stadium, and you can find all the key information for this match in our South Africa vs Nicaragua prediction ahead of kick-off at 18:00 SAST this evening.. 

This match will allow Hugo Broos a valuable opportunity to have a good look at his squad for the global tournament. The Belgian announced his final 26-man squad for the World Cup on Wednesday evening, but Bafana fans are divided over the head coach’s selections. 

The major talking point following Broos’ announcement revolved around the inclusion of two uncapped defenders in Bradley Cross and Olwethu Makhaya. Cross’ selection in particular raised eyebrows, as his inclusion meant there was no place for Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back Thapelo Morena. 

Other unexpected decisions came from Broos listing Orlando Pirates’ Kamogelo Sebelebele as a defender, having originally included him as a forward in the preliminary squad, and opting for Sipho Chaine as a backup goalkeeper ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen. 

 

Bafana Bafana 26-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

After South Africa’s disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in the Round of 16, Broos alluded to a lack of international players as one of the key reasons behind Bafana Bafana’s downfall in Morocco. 

The Belgian tactician seemed to have kept that at the forefront during selection for the World Cup, with his side now set to feature players from England, Norway, the United States, and beyond, such as Lyle Foster, Samukelo Kabini and Olwethu Makhanya.