Bafana Bafana head into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, at the top of their group, but preparations have been overshadowed by frustrations from head coach Hugo Broos.
Bafana Bafana final squad ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
The squad selected for this window includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams continues to lead from the back, while midfielders like Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane provide stability and attacking creativity. Lyle Foster and Percy Tau will be key in breaking down Benin’s defence.
The team’s recent performances have been strong, most notably securing a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February 2025. Their form in the qualifiers has been solid, and a win against Benin would further strengthen their position at the top of the group.
The official squad list for the qualifiers is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Ronwen Williams
- Ricardo Goss
- Sipho Chaine
Defenders:
- Sydney More
- Grant Kekana
- Thabo Moloisane
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Aubrey Modiba
- Siyabonga Ngezana
- Khuliso Mudau
- Fawaaz Basadien
Midfielders:
- Bathusi Aubaas
- Thalente Mbatha
- Jayden Adams
- Oswin Appollis
- Patrick Maswanganyi
- Tebogo Mokoena
Forwards:
- Igraam Rayners
- Elias Mokwana
- Lyle Foster
- Thapelo Morena
- Percy Tau
- Relebohile Mofokeng
What Hugo Broos said about Bafana Bafana vs Benin
The match, set to take place at Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, has already presented logistical challenges for the South African side.
Due to Benin’s home stadium being deemed unfit for international matches, the game was moved to Côte d’Ivoire. However, the Ivorian national team is scheduled to face Gambia at the same venue on Monday night, meaning both Bafana Bafana and Benin were unable to hold pre-match training at the stadium.
Broos openly criticised the situation, calling it unfair and a violation of FIFA rules, which allow visiting teams a 60-minute training session at the match venue the day before a fixture.
“I have to tell you that I’m really not satisfied with the decision that we can’t have a pre-match training in the stadium where the game takes place,” Broos said.
“I think this is a FIFA rule… we have to follow the rules. Where are the rules now?”
Despite the setback, the squad remains focused on securing a vital win.
Captain Ronwen Williams expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges, stating, “Benin is a very good team, but we believe in our qualities, we believe in what we’ve been building over the last year.”
The match marks the halfway point in the group stage, with Williams acknowledging its significance.
“We know how important and vital this game is for the group. We know that we can open up a gap, and we know that a gap can be closed as well. So this is a big, big, big game in these qualifying rounds,” he added.
Bafana Bafana have scheduled an alternative training session in Côte d’Ivoire, with Broos and his technical staff adjusting plans to ensure the players are as prepared as possible.
How to watch Bafana Bafana World Cup Qualifiers live in South Africa
Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will be available to watch live on SuperSport and SABC.
Match schedule and broadcast details:
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
- Benin vs South Africa
- Côte d’Ivoire (neutral venue)
- Kick-off: 18:00 (SA Time)
- Live on SuperSport PSL (DStv Channel 202)
South Africa currently sits atop Group C, trailing Benin, and a successful campaign in the next fixture could push the gap at the summit to five points.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and Bafana Bafana will be looking to build momentum in their qualifying campaign.
