Hugo Broos Says 70% of Bafana World Cup Squad Is Set, Mexico Trip Confirmed for Late May
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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has told reporters that about 70% of his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad is already decided, with the final places depending on player form and fitness over the next few weeks. Broos spoke ahead of the sold-out friendly against Panama in Cape Town, a result that followed a 1-1 draw with the same opponents in Durban.
"Let's say 70% of the selection is already in my head. But everything depends on the players' condition: maybe next week they won't play for their teams, or they could get injured, those kinds of things," Broos said, as reported by IOL.
Mexico trip end of May
The provisional squad will travel to Mexico at the end of May for altitude-friendly training ahead of the tournament. That trip doubles as a chance for Broos to assess combinations before submitting his final 26-man list to FIFA.
He confirmed there are still a few positions he wants to look at before making his final call. "There are still some positions I want to assess next week before making my final decision," he said, adding he would not change his mind even if the Panama game did not go to plan.
What it means for punters
Bafana are drawn in Group A at the World Cup alongside Mexico, South Korea and Czechia. The opening game is 11 June 2026. Ante-post markets on South Africa to qualify from the group are still showing value at most SA operators, with prices tightening once the final squad is confirmed.
We cover squad news, group previews and live odds movement on our FIFA World Cup 2026 hub. For the Bafana-specific betting guide, see Bafana Bafana World Cup betting.
Reading the signals
A 70% settled squad at this stage is not unusual, but it gives a clearer picture of Broos's thinking. The positions still open tend to be wide midfield and backup striker, where Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs players are all pushing for minutes. The final PSL matches before the Mexico trip will matter.
Sources: IOL, 31 March 2026.