FIFA has officially outlined key squad submission deadlines ahead of the 2026 World Cup, placing Hugo Broos and Bafana Bafana on the clock.
With the tournament set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, Broos must first submit a provisional squad of between 35 and 55 players by 13 May.
That list will then be trimmed to a final squad of 23 to 26 players by 1 June, with FIFA allowing some flexibility in squad size to help teams manage injuries and form issues.
While most coaches are expected to select the maximum number, Broos has hinted at a more cautious approach — wary of including players who may not feature.
The stakes are high, especially with South Africa set to open the tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
Interestingly, Broos is planning to finalise his squad earlier than the official deadline, as he aims to have his team settled at their base camp in Pachuca before the tournament begins.
FIFA has also confirmed that clubs must release players by 25 May, a move that could impact the scheduling of the Betway Premiership.
This forces teams may be forced to finish the season without their international stars if the games overlap.
Despite the pressure, Broos remains confident about the core of his squad.
“About 70 to 75 percent of the selection is already in my head,” he revealed recently. “Now it depends on form, injuries, and who is playing regularly.”
With limited time and tough decisions ahead, the road to the World Cup is entering its decisive phase.