President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent off Bafana Bafana for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the national team to “aim for ultimate glory” as they prepare to face Mexico, the United States and Canada from next month.
Speaking at a send‑off dinner in Pretoria on Wednesday night where coach Hugo Broos announced his final 26‑man squad, Ramaphosa said the team would carry the hopes of more than 62 million South Africans as they return to the global stage for the first time since 2010.
“Our people will be with you every step of the way.”
Ramaphosa said South Africans had endured years of disappointment but never stopped believing in the team whose last qualification through competition came in 2002.
He told the players that qualifying alone was not enough and urged them to compete with courage and determination.
“We do not want group stages. We do not want early exits. We want to see you bring that trophy back home,” he said.
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in a challenging group that includes hosts Mexico whom they will face in the tournament opener on 11 June.
Their qualifying campaign saw them overcome strong opposition from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Rwanda and Benin, a journey Ramaphosa said demanded resilience, discipline and long‑term investment in football development.
The final squad includes captain Ronwen Williams, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, and forwards Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng.
JN/APA