Bafana’s Mexico Mission

By LINDA XIMBA

With just 42 days to go before Bafana Bafana kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Mexico, anticipation is building across South Africa as fans await the final squad announcement.

Drawn in Group A, Bafana will face hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic in what promises to be a thrilling group.

As the nation waits, The Quest has stepped into the selector’s seat to predict the 23-man squad that could carry South Africa’s hopes on the global stage.

Head coach Hugo Broos has hinted that roughly 70% of his squad is already settled following recent friendlies against Panama. Bafana suffered a 2-1 defeat in Cape Town after a 1-1 draw in Durban.

“Everything depends a little bit on the shape of the players,” Broos said.

“Maybe in the next weeks they will not play anymore in their teams, or pick up injuries. But 70–75% of the selection is already in my head and will not change — even if we play a bad game tomorrow. There are still a few positions I want to finalise in the coming weeks.”

South Africa are expected to play just one more international friendly in May before departing for Mexico, leaving little room for major changes unless injuries strike.

The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with the final set for MetLife Stadium.

Predicted 23-Man Squad

Goalkeepers:

Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

Defenders:

Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Samkelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi

Midfielders:

Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Themba Zwane

Forwards:

Tshepang Moremi, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Morena, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa

Standby:

Iqraam Rayners, Mohau Nkota, Olwethu Makhanya

Analysis

This year’s edition will mark South Africa’s third FIFA World Cup appearance, having made their debut at the 1998 tournament in France. They returned in 2002, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.

Bafana Bafana also featured at the 2010 edition on home soil, where South Africa made history as the first African nation to host the global showpiece.

However, across all three appearances, the national team has struggled to make a deep run, exiting in the early stages each time.

As is often the case in South African football, squad announcements are rarely without controversy. There will inevitably be murmurs of discontent when players widely tipped for selection are left out.

However, since taking charge, Hugo Broos has built a reputation as a straight talker — unfazed by social media noise and unwavering in his decisions. The Belgian has consistently backed his judgment, selecting players who have gone on to silence critics.

One standout example is Oswin Appollis, the in-form Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder. Initially called up while playing for Polokwane City — a club many underestimated — Appollis seized his opportunity and has since become one of the national team’s most trusted figures.

Meanwhile, young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi continues his impressive rise, earning a dream move to the United States as his stock grows. TQ