South Africa named uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, while there is also a place for 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane.
There were few surprises for coach Hugo Broos as he largely stuck with the players who appeared in the Bafana Bafana global final for the first time in sixteen years.
South Africa will take on co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11, before Group A clashes with the Czech Republic in Atlanta (June 18) and South Korea in Monterrey (June 24).
Center back Makhanya, 22, plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, while Cross, 25, once in Newcastle United’s academy, is a left back for Soweto local Kaizer Chiefs.
Neither had been involved in qualifying, but the desire to have more defensive options led to their selection. Regular left-back Aubrey Modiba has also been selected despite missing Sunday’s second leg of the CAF Champions League final for Mamelodi Sundowns with a hamstring injury.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster will take charge and Zwane’s experience and guile on the ball are seen by Broos as vital to the team, with 19 of the 26 players from the South African league.
The World Cup is a swan song for coaching their Belgian tactician Broos, 74, who has already said he will call time on his career after the finals.
The former defender retired from international football as a player after the 1986 World Cup, also held in Mexico, where he helped Belgium to fourth place.
“I know that the players who had to drop out will be very disappointed tonight,” said Broos. «Some very difficult decisions had to be made. I hope I chose the right ones.»
South Africa has appeared in three previous World Cup finals, making its debut in 1998. The country qualified again in 2002 and hosted the tournament in 2010, exiting at the group stage each time.
THE TEAM
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde) FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Spephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).
Published on May 28, 2026
