Bafana Bafana World Cup squad: South Africa names two uncapped players

South Africa’s 26-man World Cup 2026 squad includes 19 local players, five in Europe, and two in the United States. Uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross were selected, with Makhanya playing for Philadelphia Union and Cross playing for Kaizer Chiefs. The roster is heavily influenced by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, which each supplied eight players. Sundowns won the CAF Champions League for a second time, while Pirates won the South African Premiership for the first time since 2012. Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was omitted after appendix surgery. Coach Hugo Broos largely kept faith with players who earned South Africa’s first World Cup appearance in 16 years, including 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane.

"South Africa's 26-man World Cup 2026 squad includes 19 local players, five who play in Europe and two in the US. South Africa has named uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross in its World Cup squad, with recent major trophy winners Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominating the roster. Both teams had eight players each in South Africa's FIFA World Cup squad named in Pretoria on Wednesday."

"Sundowns won the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League for the second time last Sunday, defeating Moroccan rivals FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate in the final. A day earlier, Pirates were crowned South African Premiership champions for the first time since 2012, ending a run of eight consecutive league titles by Sundowns. A surprise omission was Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, whose outstanding form helped his club finish third behind Pirates and Sundowns in the premiership."

"There were a few surprises from coach Hugo Broos as he largely stuck with the players who earned a first appearance at the global tournament for Bafana Bafana in 16 years, with 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane also finding a place. Broos included 19 local players in his 26-man squad; five play in Europe and two in the United States. South Africa face cohosts Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11, before their Group A fixtures against the Czech Republic in Atlanta (June 18) and South Korea in Monterrey (June 24 )."

"Centre-back Makhanya, 22, plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, while Cross, 25, once in the academy at Newcastle United, is a left-back for local Soweto side Kaizer Chiefs. Neither had been involved in qualifying, but a desire to have more defensive options led to their selection. Regular left-back Aubrey Modib"

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