Percy Tau returns as South Africa name squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have named their squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Percy Tau making a long-awaited return to the national team.

The Qatar-based forward, who has been absent from international duty since June due to tensions with the national setup, is back in Hugo Broos’ squad as South Africa prepares to face Lesotho on March 21 and Benin on March 25.

Tau’s return is a major boost for Bafana Bafana as they look to solidify their place in the qualifiers. His experience and attacking prowess will be vital as the team aims to secure maximum points from the two fixtures.

Another notable inclusion is Ronwen Williams, the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, who had missed recent club matches due to fitness concerns.

Despite this, Broos has shown faith in his first-choice shot-stopper, keeping him in the squad as Bafana Bafana’s last line of defense.

Lyle Foster (Burnley) also makes the cut, even though he has struggled with injuries in recent months.

The Premier League forward’s inclusion underlines Broos’ commitment to having his strongest attacking options available as South Africa pushes for World Cup qualification.

Jayden Adams has also been recalled to the squad after being left out of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last October due to disciplinary issues.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder now has a chance to reintegrate into the national setup, and his performances in recent club matches have convinced Broos that he deserves another opportunity.

Bafana Bafana will host Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium before traveling to Cote d'Ivoire to face Benin on neutral ground.

With South Africa currently in a strong position in their qualifying group, Broos has emphasized the importance of securing all six points from these two fixtures.

The Belgian tactician hopes that South Africa’s performances, combined with favorable results elsewhere—especially from Nigeria’s matches—will boost their World Cup chances.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Sydney Mobbie (SuperSport United).

Defenders: Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabo Molloisane (Stellenbosch FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Elias Mokwana (Esperance de Tunis).

Forwards: Lyle Foster (Burnley), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahli, Qatar), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates).