2026 World Cup: South Africa’s strong squad to face Nigeria, Lesotho
Bafana Bafana’s path to 2026 World Cup: What South Africa must do to qualify from Group C
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his 23-man squad for next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho on September 5 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein before hosting continental rivals Nigeria at the same venue on September 9, in what could prove decisive for their qualification hopes. Although the Lesotho clash will be staged in Bloemfontein, it is designated as an away fixture for South Africa.
Captain Ronwen Williams leads the squad, with Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC) and Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates) joining him in goal. Notably, defender Khuliso Mudua remains absent amid his continued exclusion from Sundowns’ matchday rosters.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces the squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.@SABC_Sport #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/gwTiEiZ8FR
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 28, 2025
The defensive unit includes Sydney Mobbie (Siwelele), Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba (both Sundowns), Mbikezeli Mbokazi (Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), and Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania).
In midfield, embattled playmaker Teboho Mokoena headlines the list alongside Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth, England), and Thalente Mbatha (Pirates).
The attacking options feature Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), and Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia).
Meanwhile, Broos’ Nigerian counterpart Eric Chelle has already announced a 31-man provisional list but faces injury concerns, including doubts over first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabalai.
South Africa currently top Group C with 13 points from six games but face the risk of a three-point deduction for fielding ineligible midfielder Mokoena in their previous meeting with Lesotho. Rwanda and Benin trail with eight points each, while Nigeria sit fourth with seven, followed by Lesotho on six and Zimbabwe with four.
