South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has named a 48-man provisional squad for September’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, with Mamelodi Sundowns players forming the backbone of the team.
Bafana Bafana will open their September campaign against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, on Friday, September 5, before hosting Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the same venue four days later.
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The clash with Nigeria is widely seen as one of the decisive fixtures in Group C.
Broos has struck a balance between youth and experience, with a strong representation from domestic champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Captain Ronwen Williams, along with Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Aubrey Modiba, headline the call-ups.
Orlando Pirates also feature prominently, contributing Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Nkosinathi Sibisi and veteran Themba Zwane.
The attack is further strengthened by the return of Lyle Foster (Burnley) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), while Europe-based Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), and Mihlali Mayambela (Cyprus) add international depth.
South Africa currently sit atop Group C with 13 points from six matches (four wins, one draw, one defeat), scoring 10 goals and conceding five. Rwanda and Benin follow with eight points each, while Nigeria trail closely with seven. Lesotho (6) and Zimbabwe (4) complete the standings.
However, Bafana Bafana’s leadership faces uncertainty following claims they fielded an ineligible player in their recent 2–0 victory over Lesotho. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had received two yellow cards earlier in the campaign, was expected to serve a suspension but played 82 minutes in the match.
If FIFA confirms the infraction, South Africa could be docked three points, with the win awarded to Lesotho. Such a sanction would drop Broos’ side to 10 points, handing Nigeria a major lifeline in the race for the sole automatic World Cup ticket.
Final Squad and Expectations
Broos will trim his provisional squad to 23 players in the coming weeks. With Nigeria determined to close the gap and South Africa’s position potentially under review, September’s double-header could prove pivotal in deciding the group’s outcome and who books a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
