2026 FIFA World Cup: Five players who could be crucial to Bafana Bafana's success

Hugo Broos will lead Bafana Bafana into one of the most defining chapters of South African football history as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It would be only their third automatic berth, and their fourth appearance on the global stage — yet their hopes, for now, hang delicately in the balance.

South Africa are two games away from securing their spot at the finals. They sit second in Group C on 14 points, level with log leaders Benin, who edge them only on goal difference. Everything rests on the outcome of the final two fixtures, and crucially, Bafana’s fate remain firmly in their own hands.

Broos will lead his charges against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in back-to-back crunch encounters that will decide whether the nation takes its place among the world’s elite. First up is a showdown against neighbours Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in under two weeks. Ahead of the Belgian coach naming his final squad, here are five key players from the preliminary list who could prove decisive.

Mohau Nkota

The former Orlando Pirates midfielder’s rise has been remarkable. Following his lively display against Nigeria — where his eye for goal and sharp pace helped create Bafana’s opener — Nkota has made a strong case for another starting berth. His creativity and dynamism could be the spark South Africa need to unlock tight defences in these must-win games.

Iqraam Rayners

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker is enjoying the form of his life, with nine goals in just 11 appearances across competitions this season.

Rayners has already shown his value in national colours, though he had to settle for appearances off the bench in the 3-0 win over Lesotho and the 1-1 draw with Nigeria. Competing with Burnley’s Lyle Foster for a starting spot, his current hot streak will give Broos plenty to consider.

Oswin Appollis

The Orlando Pirates winger has been in fine touch since his move, producing a string of strong performances that helped his side to five consecutive league victories.

Long admired by Broos, Appollis no longer shoulders the burden of being Polokwane City’s main talisman. Surrounded by quality at club level now, he is playing with freedom and confidence — and could be hitting his peak just in time for Bafana.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

At just 20 years old, the Pirates centre-back has been one of the revelations of the season. Even with Nkosinathi Sibisi back fit, Mbokazi’s commanding displays make him hard to ignore.

Calm under pressure and growing in stature with every outing, he has shown he can handle the big stage. After two solid performances against Lesotho and Nigeria — coupled with the balance he brings as a left-footed centre-back — he may be in line for another start.

Ronwen Williams

The Sundowns captain remains the heartbeat of Bafana’s defence. His leadership and experience, especially from the CAF Champions League, will be vital given the constant changes in the backline due to injuries.

Williams’ composure and ability to organise the defence have been decisive in this qualifying run, with Bafana conceding only six goals on the pitch with him in goals.

However, Fifa’s ruling that handed them a 3-0 loss for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho while he was on two yellow cards means the official record reflects nine goals conceded.

With goal difference likely to play a key role in determining qualification, Williams and his defence will know just how important it is to stay watertight in the final two games.