All the essential figures behind the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 World Cup

Most of the players expected to be included have made the cut, with Thapelo Morena among the few absent due to injury.

We break down the statistics of the selection, which reveal a shortage of experience that may prove problematic.

0 – Two uncapped players are in the squad, both defenders. Centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union and Kaizer Chiefs left-back Bradley Cross have been named, their picks coming somewhat unexpectedly but highlighting Broos’ view that the defence needs attention. It also hints he might employ a back five with three centre-backs and two wing-backs.

3 – Three players in the squad have more than 50 caps – Ronwen Williams (63), Teboho Mokoena (56) and Themba Zwane (53). Adding Aubrey Modiba (47), those four account for 219 caps combined, or 44% of the entire squad total.

8 – Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns each contribute eight players to the squad. Together, that makes up 62% of the selection. No other club provides more than one – Kaizer Chiefs, Siwelele, Molde, Philadelphia Union, Polokwane City, Chicago Fire, Hannover 96, Tondela, Burnley and AEL Limassol.

13 – Thirteen players in the squad have ten caps or fewer … that feels excessive. Seven players have five caps or fewer. This lack of experience will be the greatest obstacle for Broos.

19 – Nineteen of the 26 players are based in the Betway Premiership. The seven overseas-based players are defenders Samukelo Kabini (Molde, Norway), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA) and Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), midfielder Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal), and forwards Lyle Foster (Burnley, England) and Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).

20 – The youngest member of the squad is defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, aged 20. Still, he could be one of the most influential at the World Cup.

26 – Broos opted for the largest possible squad of 26 players. Teams could choose between 23 and 26 players, which had to include three goalkeepers. Broos had suggested in March he might not pick 26, but eventually decided to do so.

26.8 – The average age of the squad is 26.8 years as of Bafana Bafana’s first match against co-hosts Mexico on June 11. There are five players aged 30 or older and 12 who are 25 or younger.

36 – The oldest player in the squad is Themba Zwane, aged 36. He will turn 37 on August 3.

65 – The squad has 65 international goals between them, though 39 of those (60%) come from four players – Themba Zwane (12), Lyle Foster (10), Teboho Mokoena (9) and Oswin Appollis (8). A total of 17 out of 26 players have scored for Bafana before.

499 – Before Friday’s friendly against Nicaragua, the 26 players in the squad have accumulated 499 caps. That averages out to 19 caps per player … not a great deal.

6 500 000 – FIFA pays clubs compensation of between US$12 000 and US$15 000 per day a player is in camp from the moment it starts until the team is knocked out of the World Cup. At the maximum rate, a single Bafana player could earn his club around R6.5 million, even if the side is eliminated in the first round. The longer they progress in the tournament, the larger the sum becomes. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have eight players at the World Cup, which would net them over R50 million in FIFA compensation. Even for a club like Siwelele or Polokwane City, sending one player earns them nearly as much as winning the Nedbank Cup.