South Africa Announces Squad for Final 2026 WCQ Games As FIFA’s 3-Point Deduction Looms
- Hugo Broos has announced his preliminary squad for the final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches
- Bafana Bafana will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final two matches to wrap up the qualifying campaign
- South Africa are anticipating a possible three-point deduction after FIFA opened a case against Teboho Mokoena
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has announced his 45-man preliminary squad ahead of the final matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Bafana Bafana will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the first match, before hosting Amavubi of Rwanda in the final game as the race for Group C ticket enters the final day.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa will play both matches at home after Zimbabwe chose Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban despite initially wanting to host it in Botswana.
The second match against Rwanda will be played at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, away from the poor pitch at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, where they faced Nigeria.
According to Far Post, there is determination in the South African camp to win both matches to keep their hopes of qualifying for the first tournament since hosting it in 2010 alive.
Bafana Bafana are top of Group C with 17 points, closely followed by Benin Republic with 14 points, while Nigeria are third with 11 points after eight matches.
Rwanda are fourth, also with 11 points, while Lesotho have six points and Zimbabwe are winless at the bottom of Group C with four points.
However, South Africa’s lead could be cut short with a three-point deduction looming after FIFA opened an investigation into Teboho Mokoena's yellow card case.
The world football governing body, after their long silence, sent an official letter to SAFA over the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder’s eligibility against Lesotho.
If docked three points, Benin Republic will move to the top of the group, and the results of the final two matches will decide who picks the automatic slot.
Bafana Bafana announced WCQ squad
According to safa.net, Broos announced his 45-man preliminary squad for the crucial matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda on October 10 and 14, respectively.
The Belgian manager will trim the squad to 23 players in the coming days, which will take on both games for a chance at the World Cup next year.
Nigeria-eligible Ime Okon, who withdrew from last month's games due to an injury, is back on the first list and is expected to make the final squad.
Source: Getty Images
Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau also returned to the team, having missed the matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe due to lack of match fitness.
Sphephele Sithole and Thabang Matuludi, both of whom recently returned to action from long injury layoff, are named in the squad, while veteran winger Percy Tau remains out.
SAFA CEO confirms FIFA’s letter
Legit.ng previously reported that SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao confirmed the receipt of FIFA’s official communication about Teboho Mokoena's case.
The former Bayana Bayana star assured South Africans that the association isn't dwelling on the possible deduction but focused on winning the October games.
Source: Legit.ng
