Chaine In, Petersen Out As Broos Names Final Bafana World Cup Squad
Despite his limited match fitness this season, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has included veteran playmaker Themba Zwane in his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the selection sprung a major surprise by omitting Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
Petersen excelled in anchoring Amakhosi to a third-place finish this season but was ultimately omitted from the final selection.
Instead, coach Broos handed the nod to Chaine, who set a phenomenal Betway Premiership record with 21 clean sheets to help Orlando Pirates clinch a historic domestic treble.
Remarkably, Chaine was excluded from the national team’s international friendlies against Panama in March, casting his selection into doubt.
Broos previously noted that Petersen, who sidelined by an appendix operation, was incredibly unfortunate to miss out on previous selections due to injury.
Chaine’s inclusion has raised eyebrows within the football fraternity, amid lingering rumors that his presence caused divisions within the Bafana camp during the recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana Final 23-Man 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine.
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams.
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko.
Dropped From Preliminary 32-Man Squad: Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Lebohang Maboe, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Thapelo Morena.
Bafana Bafana Group A World Cup Schedule:
South Africa faces a grueling Group A schedule across North America next month – the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- 11 June 2026: Mexico vs South Africa – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- 18 June 2026: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (USA)
- 25 June 2026: South Africa vs South Korea – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (Mexico)
