South Africa squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

Similar to fellow African nation Morocco, South Africa relies on experience between the sticks, with veteran goalkeeper Ronwen Williams captaining his country and leading from the back. The Mamelodi Sundowns star has plenty of his club team-mates alongside him in the international team ranks, and he was a standout performer in the run to the last-16 of AFCON. 

Ricardo Goss of Siwelele Football Club and Sipho Chaine from the Orlando Pirates are likely to play backup roles to the South Africa No.1 and will be ready to take over at a moment's notice should they be required to step in at the World Cup.

Head coach Broos favours the very popular 4-3-2-1 formation, and he used a very consistent backline up until and including the loss to Cameroon at AFCON.

Khuliso Mudau, another Mamelodi Sundowns man, has regularly been deployed at right-back for his nation. The 30-cap international is another experienced head in the Bafana Bafana camp, and will help keep emotions from running too high in the build-up to the World Cup.

Siyabonga Ngezana is one of the few players to venture away from Africa, with the 28-year-old currently playing his football at FCSB in Romania. He has picked up some valuable minutes in the Europa League this season and is one to watch during this summer's tournament, as is youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was trusted by his manager to play a key role at AFCON. He will likely get the nod alongside Ngezana once more. 

At left-back, Samukelo Kabini has emerged as a star at Molde, but will fight for his place alongside Aubrey Maphosa Modiba. Tylon Smith is another player to watch, with the central defender on the path up in England, currently playing for Queens Park Rangers.

The middle of the park is perhaps where South Africa lacks the most depth, but there are a few who will be ready to stand up and be counted at this summer's tournament. 

Mamelodi Sundowns duo Bathusi Aubass and Teboho Mokoena often featured together at AFCON, while Orlando Pirates man Nkosinathi Sibisi slotted in to complete the midfield three. Sipho Mbule will be keen to get more minutes at the World Cup than he did in January, with the 27-year-old emerging as a key contributor for the Orlando Pirates this season.

Sphephelo Sithole of Tondela is capable of playing a more defensive role, should South Africa need to tighten things up in close games.

Spearheading South Africa's attack will be Burnley man Lyle Foster, perhaps the nation's biggest star, considering he has Premier League experience. The 25-year-old has 24 caps for his country and has already bagged 10 goals, including some crucial ones at AFCON. If Bafana Bafana are going to have any sort of success at the World Cup this summer, they will need their talisman fit and firing. He has struggled to make much of an impact under Scott Parker in England's top flight this season, but has popped up with a few goals in the Clarets' bid for survival.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis - both of the Orlando Pirates - were often the chosen wide players under Broos, but the head coach does have plenty of options to choose from in attack. That includes Club Brugge's Shandro Campbell and Al Ettifaq's Mohau Nkota, while Minnesota United star Bongokuhle Hlongwane's stock is also rising.

As previously mentioned, Ronwen Williams will be crucial in goal for South Africa, as will central defender Siyabonga Ngezana.

In midfield, it will be interesting to see whether Broos puts his faith in a similar core of players that featured at AFCON, or whether the likes of Luke Le Roux of Portsmouth can find a spot in the team. Additionally, Shandre Campbell's time at Club Brugge has so far been a success, and he will provide some much-needed pace and trickery on the wing. 

As for the attack, Lyle Foster will once again be the main man, but don't count out the potential impact of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who has looked sharp in Major League Soccer so far this season.

For the opening few fixtures, expect a similar structure and style to Hugo Broos' AFCON outings, with those who missed the tournament likely to filter in later. With Williams in goal, Ngezana is also guaranteed a starting spot in the backline.

Mokoena and Mofokeng could get the nod over some returning stars, with Foster set to lead the line. 

Predicted South Africa starting XI (4-2-3-1): Williams, Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Kabini; Mokoena, Sibisi, Aubass; Appollis, Foster, Mofokeng