Hugo Broos has named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, and two defenders who played no part in qualifying are on the plane to North America. Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross come in with zero caps between them and a lot to prove from day one.
Makhanya, 22, has been playing his club football at Philadelphia Union in MLS. Cross, 25, is a left-back at Kaizer Chiefs — once a Newcastle United academy product, now a late bloomer getting the biggest call of his career. Neither featured in the qualifying campaign that ended South Africa's 16-year absence from the World Cup. Broos wanted more defensive cover, and these two are the answer to that problem.
Modiba's hamstring adds a nervous subplot
The timing of their inclusion isn't entirely coincidental. Regular left-back Aubrey Modiba missed Sunday's CAF Champions League final second leg for Mamelodi Sundowns with a hamstring injury and still made the squad — but his fitness heading into the tournament opener against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 is a genuine concern. Cross, in particular, could find himself starting far sooner than anyone anticipated.
On the other end of the age spectrum, 36-year-old Themba Zwane is in. Broos sees his experience and technical quality as essential to how this team functions, and with 19 of the 26 players based in the South African domestic league, you understand why. This isn't a squad loaded with European-hardened players who've seen it all. Zwane has.
Burnley's Lyle Foster leads the attack, and South Africa's group — Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Korea — is winnable if they defend properly and Foster can find form. One goal can change a group-stage result. South Africa's defensive solidity will be the main factor shaping their odds of surviving the group, and two uncapped centre-backs and left-backs in the mix doesn't exactly project certainty at the back.
The end of an era on the touchline
Broos, 74, has confirmed this is his final job in management. He quit playing international football after the 1986 World Cup — also held in Mexico, where he helped Belgium finish fourth. Forty years later, he's back in the same country as a coach, trying to take a nation to the knockout rounds for the first time.
South Africa's three previous World Cup appearances — 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010 — all ended in the group stage. The full squad:
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)
"I know those players who had to drop out will be very disappointed tonight," Broos said. "There were some very difficult decisions to be made. I hope I have chosen the right ones."
