Bafana Bafana World Cup 2026 Jersey Numbers: Full Squad List Revealed
Bafana Bafana have revealed their official jersey numbers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. See the full squad list from Williams #1 to Cross #26.
Introduction: The Numbers Are In
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just days away, Bafana Bafana have officially revealed their squad jersey numbers for the tournament. From captain Ronwen Williams wearing the number 1 shirt to Bradley Cross taking number 26, every player now has their official number for the World Cup.
Numbers 1 through 26 are the only ones available for use at the tournament, following FIFA’s squad numbering regulations.
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Bafana Bafana Full Jersey Numbers for World Cup 2026
| Number | Player Name | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Williams | Goalkeeper | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2 | Paruludi | Defender | – |
| 3 | Ndamane | Defender | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 4 | Mohoeoe | – | – |
| 5 | Martha | – | – |
| 6 | Modiba | Defender | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 7 | – | – | – |
| 8 | Appollis | Forward | Orlando Pirates |
| 9 | Moremi | Forward | Orlando Pirates |
| 10 | Foster | Forward | Burnley (England) |
| 11 | Morokong | – | – |
| 12 | Zwane | Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 13 | Sithole | Midfielder | Tondela (Portugal) |
| 14 | Mbokazi | Defender | Chicago Fire (USA) |
| 15 | Rayners | Forward | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 16 | Chaine | Goalkeeper | Orlando Pirates |
| 17 | Makgopa | Forward | Orlando Pirates |
| 18 | Kabini | Defender | Molde FK (Norway) |
| 19 | Sibisi | Defender | Orlando Pirates |
| 20 | Mudau | Defender | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 21 | Okon | Defender | Hannover 96 (Germany) |
| 22 | Maseko | Forward | AEL Limassol (Cyprus) |
| 23 | Adams | Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 24 | Mofokeng | Forward | Orlando Pirates |
| 25 | Sebelebele | Defender | Orlando Pirates |
| 26 | Cross | Defender | Kaizer Chiefs |
*Source: Bafana Bafana official announcement *
Bafana Bafana: https://www.safa.net/match-centre/teams/south-africa/
Jersey Number Traditions & Meaning
Number 1 – The Captain and Goalkeeper
Ronwen Williams wears the number 1 shirt as both the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and national team captain. The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper has been a mainstay for Bafana since his debut in 2014 and will lead the team out in Mexico.
Number 10 – The Creative Heart
Lyle Foster takes the iconic number 10 shirt, signaling his importance to head coach Hugo Broos’ attacking plans. The Burnley forward will be expected to lead Bafana’s attack alongside Foster and Moremi.
Defensive Core
The defensive unit features Mudau (#20), Sibisi (#19), and Ndamane (#3) wearing traditional defensive numbers. Newcomer Cross (#26) will wear the last available squad number after his late call-up.
FIFA World Cup Jersey Number Rules
Unlike club football where players often keep a fixed number throughout a season, World Cup squads must use numbers 1 through 26 exclusively. Here are the key rules:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Number range | 1 to 26 only |
| Number 1 | Typically reserved for a goalkeeper |
| Fixed for tournament | Players keep the same number for all matches |
| No re-assignment | If a player is replaced, the number is not reused |
Source: FIFA World Cup regulations
Squad Breakdown by Position
Goalkeepers (Numbers 1, 16)
| Number | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ronwen Williams (Captain) | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 16 | Sipho Chaine | Orlando Pirates |
Defenders (Numbers 2, 3, 6, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26)
| Number | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Paruludi | – |
| 3 | Ndamane | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 6 | Modiba | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 14 | Mbokazi | Chicago Fire |
| 18 | Kabini | Molde FK |
| 19 | Sibisi | Orlando Pirates |
| 20 | Mudau | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 21 | Okon | Hannover 96 |
| 25 | Sebelebele | Orlando Pirates |
| 26 | Cross | Kaizer Chiefs |
Midfielders (Numbers 12, 13, 23)
| Number | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Zwane | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 13 | Sithole | Tondela |
| 23 | Adams | Mamelodi Sundowns |
Forwards (Numbers 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 22, 24)
| Number | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Appollis | Orlando Pirates |
| 9 | Moremi | Orlando Pirates |
| 10 | Foster | Burnley |
| 11 | Morokong | – |
| 15 | Rayners | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 17 | Makgopa | Orlando Pirates |
| 22 | Maseko | AEL Limassol |
| 24 | Mofokeng | Orlando Pirates |
Note: Some club information is based on available data. Several players have club updates pending.
Countdown to Kick-off
Bafana Bafana open their World Cup campaign against Mexico on June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The jersey numbers are now set. The squad is ready. Now it’s time to make history.
Remaining Group A fixtures:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico City |
| June 18 | Czechia vs South Africa | Atlanta |
| June 25 | South Korea vs South Africa | Monterrey |
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FAQ – Bafana Bafana Jersey Numbers
Who wears the number 1 jersey for Bafana Bafana?
Ronwen Williams, the team captain and first-choice goalkeeper, wears the number 1 shirt.
Who is Bafana’s number 10?
Lyle Foster wears the iconic number 10 shirt for the World Cup.
Why are only numbers 1 to 26 used at the World Cup?
FIFA regulations require all World Cup squads to use numbers 1 through 26 for the tournament.
Can players change jersey numbers during the World Cup?
No. Once the squad is submitted, players keep the same number for all matches.
Who wears the last number (26) for Bafana?
Bradley Cross, the Kaizer Chiefs defender, wears the number 26 shirt.
