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Hugo Broos Names Two Uncapped Players in Bafana Bafana World Cup Squad
Broos kept 19 domestic-based players and picked Lyle Foster to lead the attack as South Africa chase a first knockout berth.
On Wednesday, South Africa coach Hugo Broos named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, including uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross alongside 36-year-old playmaker Themba Zwane.
Seeking to bolster defensive options, Broos selected the uncapped players while largely maintaining the core group that secured Bafana Bafana's first appearance at the global finals in 16 years.
While Bradley Cross became the only Kaizer Chiefs player to make the final roster, the squad selection fueled fan frustration over the club's exclusion from Broos's plans in recent years.
Broos acknowledged the "very difficult decisions" regarding excluded players, though he included Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba despite the defender missing Sunday's CAF Champions League final with a hamstring injury.
South Africa opens the 2026 World Cup against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, followed by Group A matches against Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24.
Breeder Hugo Broos unveiled his selection of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup. The Bafana Bafana list is mainly made up of players who are playing in South Africa with the Orlando Pirates and the Mamelodi Sundowns.