FIFA Announces Timelines for Bafana Bafana to Unveil Preliminary and Final Squads for the 2026 World Cup

This timeline establishes a clear pathway to the final squad selection, a process likely to stir considerable discussion among fans and pundits alike, as Broos has the option to choose between 23 and 26 players for his final roster.

It stands to reason that he might prefer the upper limit to mitigate potential injuries, suspensions, or dips in form. However, Broos appeared somewhat hesitant when approached on this topic last month.

He might also be wary of including ‘passengers’ in the squad—players with minimal chances of seeing game time, who could inadvertently become a disruptive presence.

Broos has until May 13 to submit a provisional squad of 35 to 55 players to FIFA.

Following that, he must narrow his selection down to 23 to 26 players by June 1. Notably, as South Africa prepares to face co-hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at the Azteca Stadium on June 11, Broos is eager to establish their base camp in Pachuca ahead of time, signalling that he may finalise his squad sooner than the deadline.

FIFA has also confirmed that clubs are required to release players for the tournament by May 25, meaning the South African Betway Premiership season cannot extend beyond this date. Any extensions beyond this deadline would see clubs compete without their national team representatives.

Before their second friendly against Panama in Cape Town last month, Broos shared that he was already clear about 70 to 75 per cent of his final squad.

“Everything depends a little bit on the form of the players,” he explained. “In the upcoming weeks, some may stop playing for their clubs, or pick up injuries, or encounter similar issues. But I already have 70-75% of my selection firmly in mind, and that won’t change.”