World Cup 2026: South Africa fixtures and squad timeline revealed

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has set a firm deadline for naming his final squad for the 2026 World Cup, as Bafana Bafana prepare for their return to the global stage after 24 years.

The Belgian tactician is expected to submit his final list on 30 May, according to reports, with a structured selection process already outlined by the national team’s technical staff.

An initial, expanded squad will be announced before the end of the 2025-26 season, allowing Broos and his team to assess a wider pool of players.

That provisional group will then be trimmed down to between 26 and 28 players, in line with tournament requirements.

The окончательный squad is due to be confirmed 11 days before the competition begins, which will be co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana will open their campaign in Group A against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The fixture echoes the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. Mexico will again be led by Javier Aguirre, who was also in charge during that encounter.

South Africa’s second group match is scheduled for 18 June, where they will face the winner of the European play-off route involving Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland. Their group stage campaign will conclude on 25 June against South Korea.

The expanded tournament format means 32 teams will progress to the knockout stage, increasing the significance of each group match. The outcome of the final group fixture could prove decisive in determining whether South Africa advances.

Preparations for the tournament are already under way. The squad is set to assemble this week, with two FIFA-sanctioned friendly matches lined up against Panama.

The first will be played on 27 March at Moses Mabhida Stadium, followed by a second fixture on 31 March at DHL Stadium.

These friendlies are expected to provide a final opportunity for players on the fringes of selection to impress the coaching staff before the provisional squad is announced.