Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams eyes 2026 World Cup adventure with South Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has set sights on making the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Adams is turning disappointment into determination. After missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the former Stellenbosch midfielder has rediscovered his form, delivering top-class performances for his outfit this season.

Speaking to iDiskiTimes, Adams attributed his fine form to hard work, while setting sights on making Hugo Broos squad for the impending tournament.

“Hard work, and I think the break, after the AFCON, I reflected on myself, pushed myself, so yeah when I came back [from the break], I just gave my all [in training], the coach gave me an opportunity to start and I took it with both hands,” Adams old iDiskiTimes about his return to form.

“Yoh – it will mean a lot to me and my family [if I can go to the World Cup], I just want to make my family proud and showcase my talent on the big stage, so if I can get chosen, I will do my best.”

“I’m an all-round player, I will play anywhere on the pitch, but my favourite position is as a number eight, box-to-box, but yeah we’re changing myself and Mokoena.”

Before his World Cup dream can take flight, Adams must first impress in South Africa’s upcoming friendlies against Panama. Bafana coach Hugo Broos is set to announce his final 23-man squad tomorrow, and Adams is ready to seize the chance.

With determination, resilience, and renewed focus, Jayden Adams is now a player on a mission, turning missed opportunities into a shot at the world stage.