Bafana Bafana World Cup squad: Hugo Broos reveals his final 26

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has stuck with the tried and tested when naming his final World Cup squad.

Broos unveiled his final 26-man squad on Wednesday and among the big misses is Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi.

Meanwhile, players who have enjoyed a resurgence this season such as Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Maseko have been rewarded with a place in the final squad.

Beneficiaries of Bafana squad shakeup

In a team that largely mirrors what Broos had at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the returning Themba Zwane, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Adams, Rayners and Maseko are the players who have benefited from the squad shakeup.

Broos has opted for a mix of experience and youth and will hope that those selected will live up to the standard as South Africa look to go beyond the group stages for the first time in their World Cup history.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players still dominate the national team with eight from the Brazilians and seven from the Buccaneers. Kaizer Chiefs will, however, only have one player in Bradley Cross, having initially seen four of them make the preliminary squad.

Warning to misfiring Lyle Foster?

The inclusion of Rayners looks to be a warning to Lyle Foster, who has not impressed in his recent outings for Bafana Bafana while Evidence Makgopa will also provide stiff competition for the No.9 role.

Meanwhile, veteran Themba Zwane will compete for the No.10 role with Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng, having received the nod due to his vast experience.

South Africa will open the tournament with a match against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 before matches against Czech Republic and South Korea.