Two upcapped players make Bafana Bafana 26-man FIFA World Cup squad

At a glamourous event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, hosted by State President Cyril Ramaphosa, Broos presented the men tasked with carrying the South African flag at the global spectacle.

Six players have been chopped from the 32-man preliminary squad, with Kaizer Chiefs contingent Brandon Petersen, Lebohang Maboe and Thabiso Monyane, as well as Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Patrick Maswanganyi and Thapelo Morena omitted.

The only inclusion from Amakhosi is defender Bradley Cross, who earns his maiden national team call up alongside USA-based defender Olwethu Makhanya, who is also yet to make his senior international debut.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners also gets the nod after missing out since World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September last year, while Cyprus-based Thapelo Maseko retains his place following his recent return against Panama.

Bafana will face Nicaragua in their send-off fixture at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening (18:00), before one final preparatory fixture – understood to be against Jamaica – in Mexico before their opening clash against against the co-hosts at Banorte Stadium in Mexico City on 11 June.

READ: Broos salutes Bafana Bafana support staff ahead of World Cup

Full Bafana Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Pirates)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)