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.

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Jiyane, 23, joined Abafana Bes’thende towards the end of last season after leaving Royal AM.

And he has quickly established himself as a key figure at the back. His consistent performances earned him the captain’s armband under Mngqithi.

The Arrows coach believes the young centre-back has been instrumental to the team’s progress, highlighting his reliability and strong character.

“I think he’s been very instrumental in our team. He’s worked his way into the starting eleven and even into the captaincy because he’s one of our most consistent players,” said Mngqithi.

Despite concerns from some quarters about his height, Mngqithi insists Jiyane’s defensive qualities more than compensate, especially in one-on-one situations.

“He reminds me of Sangweni in one-against-one situations. He’s very good, very quick, and energetic. For the way we want to play, we need defenders with speed and aggression,” he added.

Mngqithi also praised Jiyane’s partnership with Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso, noting that their pace and ability to win duels have strengthened the team defensively.

Drawing global comparisons, the coach referenced Italian greats Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta as examples of defenders who excelled despite not being the tallest.

He believes Jiyane has similar potential, provided he continues developing at the same rate.

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This announcement means no supporters will be sent by the department to support Bafana during the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and US in June.

The news caught Mama Joy by surprise, and she was left cursing the day McKenzie was made sports minister.

“To all SA fans let’s just accept no Worldcup for us. @GaytonMcK @MinisterMcK @SportArtsCultur won’t be able to help us.

“You are at your own (sic). Let’s just pray for the President to give us a new Minister of sport that can love fans,” wrote Mama Joy.

One of the supporters, in reply, suggested that the department was reviewing its sponsorship policy.

However McKenzie denied this suggestion, saying he would not pacify angry supporters with lies.

“Why should I lie using diplomatic language. Our policy is not under review, should I mislead people by soothing them,” replied McKenzie.

“We are not going to pay for super fans as a department. It’s unfair because SA is full of super fans.”

Mama Joy also appealed to Fifa president Gianni Infantino to help South African fans to get the the World Cup.

“Thanks @FIFAcom President @GianniInfantino @BafanaBafana has qualified,” she wrote to FIFA and Infantino.

“I would like to be there. I am asking any help from any one to help me attend the World Cup 2026 @GaytonMcK won’t pay for fans especially Mamajoy.”

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Chaine has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership this season, leading the league with 14 clean sheets in 21 matches and conceding just nine goals.

But that was not enough to secure his place.

Speaking after announcing his squad for upcoming friendlies against Panama, Broos made it clear that national team selection is not based on reputation or statistics alone.

“Everybody has to be worried when they don’t perform, and I’m not saying that Sipho is not performing,” said Broos.

“But everybody has to be worried. It’s not a charity. It’s something that is very serious.”

The Belgian coach emphasised that the national team is highly competitive, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.

Instead of Chaine, Broos opted to include Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, alongside captain Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss.

The decision appears to be part of Broos’ plan to assess new options, particularly for the third-choice goalkeeper role ahead of the World Cup opener against Mexico.

While fans have questioned the move, pointing to Chaine’s impressive statistics, Broos has consistently prioritised players who fit his tactical system.

The coach looks beyond numbers, focusing on attributes such as distribution, decision making and the ability to command the penalty area under international pressure.

The omission of Chaine has now become one of the biggest talking points ahead of Bafana Bafana’s upcoming fixtures, highlighting the tough selection calls as South Africa builds towards the World Cup.

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The post Hugo Broos Breaks Silence on Sipho Chaine Snub Despite League Leading Form appeared first on MDNtv.

Notable is there are no Kaizer Chiefs player who was called up to the squad.

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The national team arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning, where they were officially welcomed by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie. Despite the early exit, the minister praised the players and technical team for their effort and commitment while urging South Africans to continue supporting the national side.

Bafana Bafana now turn their focus to upcoming international fixtures and future continental competitions.

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Bafana Bafana Return to SA After AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Elimination

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Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has congratulated Bafana Bafana following their victory over Zimbabwe, which secured South Africa’s progression to the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Bafana Bafana faced a tough encounter against Zimbabwe, who came close to denying South Africa qualification for the continental tournament.

The result in Group B confirmed Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the tournament’s group stages for a record eighth time.

The performance reflected disciplined execution, tactical organisation and the ability to manage high pressure continental competition. Official CAF match statistics indicated that South Africa controlled key phases of play, demonstrated defensive stability and capitalised on critical opportunities, limiting Zimbabwe’s effectiveness in the final third. Mabe said the achievement aligns directly with the constitutional and legislative mandate entrusted to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. She cited Section 24 and Section 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the National Sport and Recreation Act, noting that the State carries a responsibility to promote sport as a vehicle for nation building, social cohesion and international competitiveness.

Mabe emphasised that the result must be understood within the framework of national sport policy rather than as an isolated sporting moment. She said the White Paper on Sport and Recreation and the National Sport and Recreation Plan place clear obligations on government to support high performance excellence while strengthening development pathways from grassroots to elite level.

Mabe further noted that football remains one of the most accessible and unifying sports in the country and that international competition advances national pride and South Africa’s standing on the continent. She called on the team to remain focused, disciplined and humble as the competition progresses, adding that qualification is an important milestone but not the destination.

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South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night, ending a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage.

This is a full-circle moment for Hugo Broos, who in 2023 stated that “If I fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, don’t even fire me, I will resign myself”—words that loomed in the minds of every South African as World Cup qualification was in doubt following a three-point deduction by FIFA for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena.

An injury to Lyle Foster and a red card to Mbekezeli Mbokazi added to the already existing tension. World Cup qualification relied on Bafana Bafana winning by at least two goals and Nigeria beating Benin. Little did South Africans know that they could stop worrying about goal difference calculations following the 3-0 victory against Rwanda and Nigeria’s 4-0 victory against Benin.

From the first whistle, Bafana Bafana hunted in packs, stretching and probing Rwanda’s defence. Their early dominance yielded rewards when Thalente Mbatha rifled home a spectacular effort from outside the area after just five minutes. The floodgates threatened to open when Oswin Appollis added a second goal in the 26th minute, before his partnership with Orlando Pirates clubmate Evidence Makgopa bore fruit—the striker’s header in the 72nd minute capping off a commanding performance.

Appollis was undoubtedly the match-winner, weaving magic down the flanks with a goal and two assists to his name. Rwanda’s defenders had no answer to his blistering pace and creative vision as he carved open their backline time and again.

The qualification marks Bafana Bafana’s comeback to football’s biggest stage after their longest World Cup drought, having last featured as hosts in 2010. It has been a long and rigorous journey for Bafana Bafana as they have once again won the hearts of South Africans.

“I heard somebody saying on the pitch after the game, everybody laughed at Bafana Bafana, we were a joke and now we are there, we are on a high level, and everyone respects us,” says Broos. This is testament to the high mentality and fighting spirit within the Bafana Bafana camp.

Team captain Ronwen Williams set the tone when he said, “We will go out with the same belief, faith and mentality that we have had over the past few years, and this is what has carried us over the years.”

Bafana Bafana will use upcoming friendlies to fine-tune their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December, as Rwanda’s fifth-place finish leaves them without qualification for either major tournament.

From Nelspruit to North America, Bafana Bafana’s World Cup journey is official. The jubilant celebrations, the emotional embraces, and the nationwide euphoria paint the picture of a country rediscovering its football heartbeat.

This moment wasn’t handed to them on a silver platter; it was carved out through three years of hard graft, resilience, and an iron-clad belief that South Africa’s place is on the world’s grandest football stage.

As reality dawns and the journey ahead comes into focus, one message rings crystal clear: Bafana Bafana are back where they belong, and they’re hungry to show the world what South African football is truly capable of.

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Their 3-0 victory over Rwanda in the final qualifier sealed the deal — a triumph that came against incredible odds, both on and off the field.

This qualification wasn’t just a football success story; it was a story of resilience in the face of chaos. Administrative mistakes by the South African Football Association nearly derailed Bafana’s campaign. The team was docked three points after fielding an ineligible player in a match against Lesotho, turning what should have been a 2-0 victory into a 3-0 loss.

Despite that setback, the players refused to give up. Even as debates and appeals played out off the pitch, Bafana focused on what mattered — the game. After a tense draw against Zimbabwe left their hopes hanging by a thread, South Africa entered the final match needing both a win and a bit of luck.

They did their part brilliantly, crushing Rwanda 3-0. Then, in a twist of fate, Nigeria’s win over Benin ensured Bafana reclaimed the top spot in their group. The dream was alive again.

For the players, coaches, and fans, the victory means more than just qualification — it’s redemption, vindication, and a moment of national unity. Across the country, South Africans celebrated long into the night, waving flags, singing, and embracing a long-lost belief that their team could stand tall on the world stage once more.

Coach Hugo Broos, who faced criticism early in his tenure, has now etched his name into South African football history.

Tonight, the message across the nation is simple: Bafana are back.

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An injury crisis and disciplinary blow have forced Hugo Broos into a high-stakes reshuffle ahead of Bafana Bafana’s defining World Cup qualifier, with Stellenbosch duo Ashley Cupido and Thabo Moloisane handed the responsibility of helping South Africa secure automatic qualification when they host Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Group C standings leave South Africans in a must-win situation following a draw against Zimbabwe. Tensions are high and calculators are on the table as automatic qualification depends on a positive result and Nigeria beating Benin. The exclusion of Mbokazi and Foster is a major blow for Bafana Bafana as both have proved to be integral players in Broos’s game plan.

It is important to note that Rwanda are the only team in FIFA World Cup Qualifying CAF Group C to have beaten South Africa on the field of play during this campaign. This adds to the intensity and pressure that Bafana Bafana face on Tuesday. A path that was once clear is now clouded with uncertainty as Broos aims to secure World Cup qualification.

It is almost poetic for Broos: the team that once represented his biggest setback could now stand between him and World Cup glory. But with Foster sidelined and Mbokazi suspended, the Belgian coach must place his faith in fresh legs and hungry hearts. If Cupido and Moloisane can rise to the occasion, Tuesday’s adversity will be remembered as the turning point that galvanised a nation. If they falter, the calculators and what-ifs will haunt South African football for another four years.

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