South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has received a major boost ahead of Bafana Bafana’s historic Round of 32 clash against Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with midfielder Teboho Mokoena returning from suspension.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star is available again after serving a one-match ban during South Africa’s final group-stage fixture against South Korea, having accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the tournament.
Mokoena’s return strengthens South Africa’s midfield ahead of the knockout encounter, with his defensive work rate and passing expected to play a key role against a Canadian side known for its high-intensity pressing.
However, Broos will still be without experienced midfielder Themba Zwane after FIFA rejected an appeal by the South African Football Association (SAFA) to reduce his three-match suspension.
Zwane was sent off for a serious foul in Bafana Bafana’s opening match against Mexico and will miss the Canada fixture, the final game of his suspension.
His absence is expected to see Patrick Maswanganyi and Thalente Mbatha continue to shoulder the creative responsibility in midfield.
South Africa have, however, received positive news on the injury front, with Broos having a fully fit squad available for selection.
Team doctors have confirmed there are no new injury concerns following the group stage, while first-choice left-back Aubrey Modiba has recovered fully from the hamstring issue that had raised concerns earlier in the tournament.
Modiba came through South Africa’s final group matches without any setbacks and is expected to retain his place in defence.
Captain Ronwen Williams is also set to lead the side once again as South Africa look to build on the defensive solidity that helped them reach the knockout stage.
With Mokoena back in the squad and no injury concerns to contend with, Broos has a near full-strength squad at his disposal as Bafana Bafana prepare for one of the biggest matches in the country’s World Cup history.
