Super Eagles: South Africa unleash 36-man star-studded squad for Finidi George's Nigeria

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 36-man preliminary squad for South Africa's opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Finidi George's Nigeria Super Eagles and Zimbabwe next month.

The Belgian has recalled some familiar faces for the crucial double-header, with experienced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, striker Percy Tau and star defender Aubrey Madiba included.

South Africa will continue their campaign to reach the 2026 finals in Nigeria against the Super Eagles on June 7 before hosting Zimbabwe a few days later as they look to revive their hopes in the qualification group.

Broos will need to trim his squad down before the two matches, but has plenty of options to choose from in his preliminary selection.

The upcoming qualifiers represent the third match on the road to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across three host nations in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Bafana missed out on the 2022 finals in Qatar, meaning their last appearance at a World Cup remains the 2010 edition which they hosted.

With FIFA having expanded the tournament to 48 teams from 2026 onwards, South Africa will be hopeful of increasing their chances of qualification under Broos' stewardship.

But they face a tough start against African giants Nigeria, who also missed the Qatar party and looking to return to the football fiesta, before taking on a Zimbabwe side who currently sit bottom of the group.