South Africa named uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross in their South Africa World Cup squad on Wednesday, with veteran playmaker Themba Zwane also included.
Coach Hugo Broos largely kept faith with the players who helped Bafana Bafana reach the global finals for the first time in 16 years. South Africa open the FIFA World Cup 2026 against co-hosts Mexico on June 11.
Makhanya, 22, plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. Cross, 25, is a Kaizer Chiefs left-back and previously spent time in Newcastle United’s academy.
Broos added both defenders, despite neither featuring in qualifying, due to the squad needing extra defensive cover. Regular left-back Aubrey Modiba was also selected despite missing Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final second leg with a hamstring injury.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster will lead the attack, while Zwane’s experience remains central to Broos’ plans. Nineteen of the 26 players are based in the South African league.
South Africa will also face Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24 in Group A.
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Broos, 74, has said the tournament will be his final coaching assignment. South Africa previously appeared at the World Cup in 1998, 2002 and 2010, exiting in the group stage each time.
