Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Adds Iqraam Rayners and Brooklyn Poggenpoel to 2026 World Cup Provisional Squad
South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, has received a boost ahead of its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as head coach Hugo Broos recalled Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners to the preliminary squad. The decision comes after Rayners was notably absent from the side that exited the Africa Cup of Nations in the round of 16 earlier this year.
Iqraam Rayners: A Striker Overlooked?
Rayners finished the 2023‑24 Betway Premiership season as the league’s second‑highest goalscorer with 12 goals, the most by any South African player in the division [1]. His consistent scoring form for Mamelodi Sundowns contrasted sharply with the limited impact of Lyle Foster, who managed only three goals in 24 Premier League appearances for Burnley before the club’s relegation [2]. Pundits and fans alike had questioned Broos’ earlier omission, especially after the team’s disappointing AFCON exit in Morocco.
The striker’s recall signals a shift in selection philosophy, emphasizing domestic goal‑scoring prowess as the squad prepares for its World Cup warm‑up fixtures.
Brooklyn Poggenpoel: Defensive Midfielder Added
Another notable inclusion is 26‑year‑old defensive midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel of Durban City, the recent Nedbank Cup champions [3]. Poggenpoel has been praised for his ball‑winning ability and tactical discipline, attributes that Broos believes will add depth to the midfield ahead of the tournament’s opening match against co‑hosts Mexico.
Squad Announcement and Preparations
Broos will confirm the final roster of 23 to 26 players on Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, with President Cyril Ramaphosa in attendance [4]. The announcement comes just two days before Bafana face Nicaragua in a World Cup warm‑up at Orlando Stadium, scheduled for Friday at 18:00 local time.
Following the warm‑up, the squad will depart for Mexico on 31 May. South Africa’s opening World Cup fixture is set for 11 June at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where they will meet the tournament’s co‑hosts.
Key Takeaways
- Iqraam Rayners returns to the national team after leading South African scorers in the Betway Premiership (12 goals) [1].
- Lyle Foster’s modest Premier League return (three goals in 24 games) intensified calls for Rayners’ inclusion [2].
- Brooklyn Poggenpoel’s addition brings defensive midfield depth from the Nedbank Cup‑winning Durban City side [3].
- The final squad will be unveiled at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, ahead of the Nicaragua warm‑up and Mexico departure.
References
- [1] Betway Premiership Official Statistics, 2023‑24 season.
- [2] Premier League Player Performance Archive, Burnley 2023‑24.
- [3] Nedbank Cup 2024 Final Match Report, Durban City.
- [4] South African Football Association (Safa) Press Release, May 2025.
