Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is expected to submit his preliminary 2026 FIFA World Cup squad on Monday as preparations intensify ahead of the global tournament.
The 74-year-old tactician recently confirmed that he will retire from coaching after the World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group A, where they will face Mexico national football team, Czech Republic national football team and South Korea national football team.
Despite recent international friendlies against Panama national football team in March, Broos admitted he is still assessing several positions as he works towards finalising his squad.
The month of May is expected to play a crucial role in determining the final selections.
When will Bafana announce the final squad?
According to FIFA regulations, all participating nations must submit their preliminary squads by 11 May, while the final 23 to 26-man squads must be confirmed by 1 June.
With the Betway Premiership season nearing its conclusion, there is still room for a few surprise inclusions before the final squad is announced.
Broos has already revealed that between 70 and 80 percent of his World Cup squad has been settled following the March friendlies against Panama.
The final Bafana Bafana squad is expected to be unveiled towards the end of May, particularly after Mamelodi Sundowns complete their CAF Champions League campaign.
The upcoming tournament will mark Bafana Bafana’s fourth appearance at the World Cup, having previously featured in 1998, 2002 and 2010, when South Africa hosted the tournament.
With just 30 days remaining until Bafana play Mexico, it remains to be seen which big names will be left from Broos’ final squad. The teams will finalise their final squads by 1 June.
