From Soweto to the States: The Bafana Players Who Must Be on The Plane to the 2026 World Cup

From Soweto to the States: The Bafana Players Who Must Be on The Plane to the 2026 World Cup

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From Soweto to the States: The Bafana Players Who Must Be on The Plane to the 2026 World Cup

South Africa are back on football’s biggest stage. For the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, Bafana Bafana have punched their ticket to the World Cup, capping off a resurgence that has quietly been building across the continent and is now impossible to ignore on the global stage.

In recent years, South Africa have rediscovered their edge. A third-place finish at AFCON 2023 signalled real progress, even if their latest campaign ended in a frustrating Round of 16 exit to Cameroon. Additionally, a mixed bag of recent friendlies consisting of a draw and a defeat against Panama in Durban and Cape Town, gives one the sense of a side still searching for consistency, but brimming with potential.

Now, the spotlight intensifies. Drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea, Bafana Bafana will kick off the entire tournament against co-hosts Mexico, a high-pressure opener that could define their campaign before it’s even begun. Off the pitch, debate is already heating up. Questions around Hugo Broos’ squad selections continue to divide opinion, with fans arguing that certain players are being overlooked while others are benefitting from loyalty over form.

So, who should be on that plane? Who could be the surprise inclusion? And what might South Africa’s strongest starting XI look like when the world is watching? Let’s break it all down.

1. Ronwen Williams

Captaining the side, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is sure to be the first name on the team sheet. Williams has over 50 caps for the national side, and boasts an impressive club career with South African PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

His most heroic moment came in the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 instalment of the AFCON. In a penalty shootout, Williams saved four of Cape Verde's penalties to help send Bafana Bafana to the semi-finals of the competition. This earned him a nomination for the Yashin Trophy, where he became the first player to be nominated while playing his football in Africa.

Williams is a leader and a stalwart in the side - his experience is key and he will be a vital member of the squad.

2. Mbekezeli Mbokazi

A newer name on the list is Chicago Fire's Mbokazi. After joining the MLS outfit from Orlando Pirates, the 20-year old has grabbed headlines in America and earned himself a spot in the squad for the friendlies against Panama. Naturally a centre back, but also capable of playing in a defensive midfield role, Mbokazi offers a rare blend for Hugo Broos.

Mbokazi is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects coming out of South African football right now, his devastating strike in Cape Town gained worldwide attention, but his all-round play provides a catalyst for Bafana Bafana.

It's also important to note that because Mbokazi plays his football in the MLS, he is already used to the conditions and the weather demands that the World Cup will bring this summer. This is invaluable experience for the squad.

3. Khuliso Mudau

Mamelodi Sundowns' and Bafana Bafana ever-present at right back, Khuliso Mudau, is a guaranteed starter. Regarded as one of the best fullbacks in Africa, Mudau has over 30 caps for the national team.

Now 30-years old, Mudau has represented South Africa in two AFCON tournaments, and he was an integral part of their World Cup qualifying campaign. His club form this season has been immaculate, displaying senses of true leadership and experience that will be an asset for Bafana Bafana this summer.

4. Aubrey Modiba

On the left-hand side of the defence is 30 year-old Aubrey Modiba. Like Mudau, Modiba plays his club football for the Mamelodi Sundowns. This season, Modiba has proved his worth in the Sundowns' side, playing slightly higher up than a traditional fullback and showcasing his adaptability. Modiba has made a signficant amount of attacking contributions this season and produced assists from his new wingback position in the Sundowns side.

While his attacking prowess is impressive, it's what he brings to the defence that is vital for the side. With over 40 caps to his name, Modiba is an astute defender.

The pairing of Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba as fullbacks is a reassuring sign for South African fans as they are familiar with the combination owing to their contributions for the Sundowns. Familiar faces are important in unknown territories, and these two might just provide some stability at the back.

5. Teboho Mokoena

Another Mamelodi Sundowns player, Teboho Mokoena has been a mainstay in the Bafana Bafana side since his introduction back in 2018.

The 29-year old plays in the holding midfield role, and is capable of dropping into defence or playing higher up the field. A dead ball specialist, Mokoena has scored some decisive goals for South Africa over the years, and his knack for longshots will be a wildcard for the side in the tournament.

Mokoena has been one of the best midfielders in the South African PSL for the last 5 years, recently the player has attracted European interest with Belgian team Club Brugge stating their interest. He featured for Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA Club World Cup last season where he faced Borussia Dortmund.

Mokoena's consistent performances display leadership qualities that are vital to the side, and this will be important in the World Cup.

6. Lyle Foster

Burnley's Lyle Foster is the undisputed #9 for South Africa. The top scorer for the side in the last AFCON, what Foster lacks in the Premier League, he more than makes up for with Bafana Bafana. In 29 appearances, Foster has scored 10 goals.

His recent showings against Panama led to questions surrounding whether he is the best fit for the side up front, however his previous display and tallies more than justify his position. An integral part of the starting eleven, Lyle Foster will look to set the world alight this summer.

7. Relebohile Mofokeng

Rele Mofokeng is perhaps the most exciting young talent South Africa has seen in decades. His club form with Orlando Pirates has attracted European interest, with clubs such as Celtic, Norwich, and Benfica all enquiring about the attacking midfielder.

Mofokeng made his debut for South Africa in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers at 20-years old, and he also featured in the most recent tournament as well as in the World Cup qualifiers.

His recent displays against Panama were promising, and he looks to be an anomaly in attack. Coach Hugo Broos has expressed his desire to play him behind the striker, yet his style of play suggests he can play anywhere across the midfield. He is one to watch this World Cup.

8. Sphephelo "Yaya" Sithole

Dubbed "Yaya" after the notorious Ivorian Yaya Toure, Sphephelo Sithole is a defensive midfielder who plays in Liga Portugal for CD Tondela. The 27-year old has made 27 caps for South Africa and is set to go to the World Cup this summer.

Sithole is capable of playing in advanced midfield roles as well as in a deep lying, more defensive role. His rare blend of physicality and technincal ability make him a nailed on starter for the side.

9. Ime Okon

Ime Okon plays for second division German club Hannover 96. Recently, he made his first two senior appearances for Bafana Bafana and impressed. Similarly to Mbokazi, Okon is a promising young player within the side who appears to be putting in displays that look far beyond his years.

Born to a Nigerian mother and a South African father, Okon was eligible to play for either country. However, owing to his upbringing, he chose Bafana Bafana, and the fans are more than thankful for this. An intelligent defender who is capable of breaking down attacks owing to his pace and physicality, Okon's progession has been rewarded by Broos.

10. Siyabonga Ngezana

Siya Ngezana has been a rock at the back in recent years for South Africa. Playing for Romanian club Steau Bucharest, the veteran defender has provided stability at the back.

Featuring as the first centre back on the teamsheet in the last two AFCON tournaments, as well as the World Cup qualifiers, Ngezana is a crucial part of the side, and if available, he will be sure to head to the States.

Currently, he faces a race against time as he carries an injury that may need surgery. This led to him not being picked for the friendlies against Panama. Opting for natural methods as opposed to surgery in a bid to be ready for the grand stage, Ngezana will hope to be fit and ready for Bafana this summer.

11. Iqraam Rayners

Iqraam Rayners is one of the top scorers in the South African PSL this season with Mamelodi Sundowns, however the player has been snubbed recently by Hugo Broos, who as opted for different options in the striker position.

With already 19 caps to his name, Iqraam Rayners is an absolute must in the squad for the World Cup. While Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa display consistency, Iqraam Rayners offers a genuine goal threat. On top of this, Rayners can play on either wing, making him an asset in terms of versatility.

It would be foolish of Hugo Broos to not include Iqraam Rayners in his final squad as he provides something other players simply cannot. The player has openly admitted his disappointment in not being selected for the side in recent months, and hopefully this can change.

12. Themba Zwane

Themba Zwane recently returned from injury. and with that, he was reintrodued into the squad. The 36 year old attacking midfielder has been part of the squad for the best part of a decade, making 45 apperances for Bafana and he has also been a focal point of Mamelodi Sundowns' success during this time with over 400 appearances for the club since 2014.

Zwane has played in AFCON tournaments and World Cup qualifiers for South Africa, but never a World Cup. He has also lifted the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns. Going to the World Cup would be a fitting tribute for the player who has given so much to the nation. A true leader, his techincal ability and goalscoring prowess is crucial to the side, and he offers much more than mere experience.

13. Oswin Appollis

The rise of Appollis in club football and for South Africa is no surpise. Entering his peak years, the winger is one of the most exciting players in the team.

Appollis scored a goal and produced exciting displays in both fixtures against Panama. On top of this, he was one of the best performing players in the AFCON. For sure, he doesn't just go to the World Cup to make up numbers, he starts.

14. Thembinkosi Lorch

A wildcard on this list, Thembinkosi Lorch now plays his football out in Libya. Lorch caught global attention last summer after playing in the FIFA Club World Cup and putting in an impressive display against Man CIty.

With 8 national appearances to his name, Lorch hasn't been part of the Bafana Bafana set up since 2023. Hugo Broos has recently stated that he will only select players that are playing in competitive divisons for their clubs. However, it might be within his best interest to make an exception for Lorch. Playing predominantly on the left wing, he provides a flair for the dramatics that few in the side could replicate.

Lorch is one to consider for sure.

15. Patrick Maswanganyi

Nicknamed "Tito", Patrick Maswanganyi is an attacking midfielder for Orlando Pirates with over 40 goal contributions in 106 appearances for the side. Currently, Tito is having a solid season for the side in the South African PSL.

Maswanganyi has 5 caps to his name, most recently appearing in the latest instalment of the AFCON where he scored twice. Despite not being selected for the squad in the friendlies against Panama, he is sure to name on Broos' list that sparks questions.

How Do They Line Up?

This starting XI reflects one of balance and structure. The inclusion of Themba Zwane, accompanied by the technical ability of Mofokeng and the direct approach from Appollis, allows for a fluid attack. The sturdy midfield of Mokoena and Sithole shields the defence well. The bench offers an array of options, with the potential for Iqraam Rayners to provide cutting edge off the bench.

Yet the World Cup is much more than just eleven players on the field, the squad needs to be strong. As fans create wishlists, and pundits predict their strongest squads, South Africans can only wait and see what Hugo Broos and the side have in store for them this summer.

One thing is for certain though, South Africa are back on the world stage, so dust off that old Vuvuzela.

Arthur Turner
Arthur Turner CAF Football Analyst & Writer

Arthur Turner

Arthur is a writer at The Football Park, where he primarily focuses on African football and CAF competitions. Having spent a decade living in South Africa, he developed a deep passion for the continent’s game, which continues to shape his storytelling. Spotlighting emerging talents, major continental tournaments, and the cultural heartbeat of football across Africa, he provides fans with everything they need to know about African football.

Earlier in his writing career, Arthur covered the full breadth of the EFL as well as the rich, ever-evolving world of grassroots football, building a foundation in match reporting and feature writing. Arthur’s previous work also includes detailed season coverage of Chelsea FC loan players, writing extensively about rising stars such as Estevão Willian and Andrey Santos. A lifelong Chelsea fan, he brings both emotional investment and sharp insight to everything he produces.

Currently a student, Arthur blends light-hearted, fan-friendly storytelling with thoughtful tactical analysis and narrative-driven features, exploring both the technical and cultural sides of the sport with clarity and enthusiasm.

View all articles by Arthur Turner →

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