Hugo Broos names preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has finally announced his 32-member preliminary squad for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns boasting the highest representation, while Kaizer Chiefs players also made a rare appearance.

Broos is set to announce his final squad, which could include up to 26 players, but with a minimum of 23, on May 27 at the Union Buildings alongside president Cyril Ramaphosa.

In the provisional squad announced by Broos on Thursday night, there were no major surprises. His main suppliers over the past few years, Pirates and Sundowns, dominated the list with nine players each.

The strong presence of the two teams reflects their dominance this season. Pirates are in line to win three domestic trophies, which would be completed by the Betway Premiership after already winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout respectively. Sundowns, meanwhile, are on course to win the CAF Champions League crown.

Chiefs, who have been overlooked by Broos in the past, have four representatives: Thabiso Monyane, Brandon Petersen, Bradley Cross and Lebohang Maboe.

Petersen’s inclusion has added to what is expected to be a goalkeeping selection headache for Broos, as he has also picked his previous mainstay goalkeepers Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss.

Petersen has been in fine form for Chiefs, helping his team secure a third-place finish in the league. His performances have sparked debate over which two goalkeepers Broos will select between him, Chaine and Goss, to deputise No 1 and captain Williams at the global showpiece.

Meanwhile, there was no place for Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido in Broos’ preliminary squad, despite calls for the centre-back to be included after impressive displays in Sundowns’ bid to win the continental crown.