World Cup ready? Hugo Broos reveals Bafana selection progress

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has provided a major update on his squad selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that the core of the team heading to North America is already set in stone.

Focused. Agile. Determined. 🦅🧤 The last line of defense is primed and ready for Panama. See you at DHL Stadium, Cape Town! 🇿🇦🔥

South Africa 🇿🇦 vs 🇵🇦 Panama (Match 2)
🏟 DHL Stadium, Cape Town
📅 31 March 2026
🕑 19:30, Gates open 16:30
🖥 SABC 3@adidasfootball @adidasza… pic.twitter.com/CLaFhJDDjH

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 31, 2026

Speaking ahead of South Africa’s second international friendly against Panama at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, Broos revealed that he has already decided on approximately 70% to 75% of his final roster.

Hugo Broos Confirms 70% of Bafana World Cup Squad is Set

Despite the pressure of the upcoming global showpiece in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, the Belgian tactician appears calm about his options. Broos emphasised that while he is still monitoring a few positions, his “mental list” of 23 to 25 players is largely finalised.

“I think 70% of the selection is already in my head and will be there in May,” Broos told the media. “I think 70% will not change, not even if tomorrow we play a bad game.”

However, the coach issued a stern warning to his regulars, noting that club form and fitness will remain the ultimate deciders.

“Everything depends a little bit on the shape of the players. Maybe in the next weeks they will not play anymore in their team, or there are injuries. Those are the kinds of things that could change things.”

Fine-Tuning for Mexico

Following a 1-1 draw against the Central Americans in Durban last Friday, Broos is using the Cape Town rematch to resolve the final 25% to 30% of his squad puzzles.

With the high-stakes World Cup opener against Mexico looming on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca, Broos believes the 10 to 12 days of preparation just before the tournament will be the final hurdle to perfecting the team’s tactical “details.”

“There are still some positions that I want to see in the next weeks before I make my choice. We still have to work on some details to become better… we will try to be more ready than we are now because now it should be a little bit too soon.”

As Bafana Bafana looks to build on their recent positive performances, the clash in Cape Town serves as the final dress rehearsal before the squad enters their official World Cup camp in May. For those on the fringes, the next few weeks of domestic and continental club football will be their last chance to break into Broos’ final 75%.