The 11 unluckiest Bafana Bafana players to miss out on FIFA World Cup 2026 selection
· The South African
Hugo Broos has named a 32-man preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 as preparations intensify ahead of South Africa’s return to football’s biggest stage.
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As with all squads, there was joy for some and heartbreak for others.
Top sides dominate
As was predicted, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the squad with nine players from each side selected.
Kaizer Chiefs have four representatives – although it’s likely at least three of those won’t make the final cut.
Attention quickly turned to ‘who missed out’ and which players – both based locally and abroad – could feel most hard done by.
Consensus suggested that these 11 players could count themselves somewhat unlucky (in no particular order): Thembinkosi Lorch, Gift Links, Keanu Cupido, Mohau Nkota, Siyabonga Ngezana, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Grant Kekana, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Percy Tau and Tashreeq Matthews.
Initial camp
Bafana Bafana will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, 25 May, although the initial camp will begin with fewer players due to the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns’ players’ contingent and overseas-based stars still involved with club commitments.
Mamelodi Sundowns players are expected back on Tuesday, 26 May, following the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Moroccan side AS FAR at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, 24 May.
Announcement date
Broos will need to trim his squad before announcing his final 26-man FIFA World Cup 2026 squad at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 May.
The announcement event will be attended by Cyril Ramaphosa and Danny Jordaan, among other dignitaries.
As part of preparations, Bafana Bafana will play a World Cup send-off friendly against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 29 May.
South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czech Republic.
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Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures
- Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 (SA time)
- Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 (SA time)
- Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 (SA time)
Which player can consider himself most unlucky at having missed out on selection?
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