South Africa have named their final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross securing their spots. The team, under coach Hugo Broos, will face co-host Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11, followed by Group A matches against the Czech Republic and South Korea.
Makhanya, 22, plays for the Philadelphia Union in MLS, while Cross, 25, a former Newcastle United academy player, now plays for Kaizer Chiefs. Both were added to bolster defensive options, especially with star left-back Aubrey Modiba nursing a hamstring injury.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster leads the attack, while 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane brings essential experience. Nineteen of the 26 players are based in the South African league.
At 74, Broos has announced this will be his final tournament before retirement. He previously played for Belgium in the 1986 World Cup, also held in Mexico, where they finished fourth.
This marks South Africa's fourth World Cup appearance, having debuted in 1998 and hosted in 2010. They have yet to advance past the group stage.