Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has officially released his final 23-man squad for South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria. The Belgian tactician, who initially revealed a provisional squad last week, trimmed his selection on Thursday afternoon, confirming the players who will carry the nation’s hopes in September.
The qualifiers mark the start of a decisive campaign for South Africa, as the team looks to return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will rely on a mixture of experienced stars and emerging talents to negotiate what is expected to be a fiercely competitive group.
South Africa opens its campaign on Friday, September 5, against neighbors Lesotho, before hosting Nigeria four days later in Bloemfontein. Both fixtures are scheduled for the Free State Stadium, as Lesotho is unable to stage international games due to not having a CAF-approved venue.
The clash with Nigeria is already being billed as one of the standout fixtures of the qualifiers. The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, boast an attack stacked with European-based forwards, but Broos believes his side has the balance and discipline to frustrate the West Africans.
**Final South Africa squad for the qualifiers**
**Goalkeepers:** Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC).
**Defenders:** Nyiko Mobbie (Siwelele FC), Zuko Mdunyelwa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB).
**Midfielders:** Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth FC).
**Forwards:** Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates).
Broos’ selection shows a clear reliance on domestic-based talent, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates contributing the bulk of the squad. Sundowns’ midfield engine Teboho Mokoena is expected to be central to Bafana’s game plan, while Ronwen Williams remains undisputed first-choice between the sticks. In attack, Patrick Maswanganyi and Iqraam Rayners will carry much of the responsibility for creating and converting chances.
Defensively, the inclusion of Ime Okon from German side Hannover 96 and Siyabonga Ngezana of FCSB in Romania highlights Broos’ trust in players gaining experience in Europe. Their ability to deal with Nigeria’s pacey frontline—potentially led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—could prove decisive in the outcome of the match.
South Africa’s tactical approach is expected to be pragmatic. Broos has often favored a compact structure, with a disciplined midfield shield in front of his backline. Against Lesotho, Bafana Bafana will likely be on the front foot, but against Nigeria, the emphasis may shift to containment and counterattacks, utilizing the speed of Relebohile Mofokeng and the creativity of Maswanganyi in transition.
The Free State Stadium is anticipated to be at full capacity, with supporters eager to see if Bafana can announce their World Cup ambitions in style. While the Lesotho tie is seen as a must-win, the Nigeria clash will serve as the real benchmark of where Broos’ men stand on the road to 2026.
With the final squad confirmed, the countdown now begins. For South Africa, the mission is clear—start strong, defend home turf, and send a message to Africa that Bafana Bafana are back among the continent’s elite.
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