Kaizer Chiefs Stars Dropped As Hugo Broos Announces Final Bafana Bafana Squad for 2026 World Cup

• Hugo Broos has released his final 26-man Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
• The Belgian tactician has opted to drop some Kaizer Chiefs players who made the preliminary list from the final squad
• Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players dominated the final list, with most players coming from the Premier Soccer League

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced his final 26-man squad to represent South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in North America starting in June.

The Belgian tactician released a 32-man preliminary squad earlier last week, with Kaizer Chiefs having four players on the list, but only one of them could make the final cut.

South Africa are placed in Group A alongside one of the hosts, Mexico, followed by the Czech Republic, and South Korea.

Kaizer Chiefs star dropped by Broos

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Kaizer Chiefs had Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Bradley Cross, and Lebohang Maboe on the preliminary list, but it was only Cross who made the final cut, while the rest were cut off.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominated the final with eight players each, and both had one player dropped by the Belgian tactician.

Petersen, who was rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership in the just concluded season, missed out on the final selection, while Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi and Mamelodi Sundowns Thapelo Morena are both surprise exclusions from the final list.

Bafana Bafana final 26-man squad for World Cup

Goalkeepers: Rowen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates FC), Ime Okon (Hannover 96/Germany), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Samukele Kabini (Molde Fk/Norway), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City FC), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union/USA), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates FC), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs FC), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC/USA)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates FC), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela/Portugal)

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Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates FC), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates FC), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates FC), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates FC), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC/England), Thapelo Maseko (Ael Limassol/Cyprus).

Players who missed out on the final list: Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), and Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns).

More uncertainty over Broos’ future at Bafana

Briefly News also reported that Broos may still have to formally reapply if he wants to continue as Bafana Bafana coach beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that a recruitment process for a new coach is expected to begin soon, although the door has not been closed on Broos remaining in charge.

SAFA technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke reportedly said the Belgian mentor would have to “make the presentation” if he wants to continue.

Source: Briefly News