South Africa names World Cup squad: two uncapped players included
According to Al Jazeera, South Africa has announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. The list features 19 home-based players, five from Europe and two from the United States. The technical staff has signalled future planning by calling up two uncapped players.

According to Al Jazeera, the head of the South African Football Association and the head coach have announced the 26-man national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The list stands out for its reliance on the domestic league: 19 players from the Premier Soccer League, five from European clubs and two from MLS.
According to the technical-staff statement cited in the report, the call-up of two players who have not previously worn the senior national shirt is presented as a marker of investment in the next generation. The coach's preference for the home market is justified by season performance data and by faster integration.
The final 23-man list will be finalised after the tournament group draw, and the technical staff will hold its preparation camp in Pretoria. South Africa's qualification, after a long absence from previous editions, has generated wide enthusiasm at home.
More from Africa

Sixteen students killed in Kenya school dormitory fire
According to BBC reporting based on official statements, 16 students were killed and many injured in a fire at a girls' school dormitory in central Kenya. Officials said the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The incident has reopened the debate on school safety in the country.

DRC health minister warns 'very high' Ebola lethality rate as toll hits 80
The health minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo warned that the lethality rate of an Ebola outbreak in the country's east is exceptionally high. The official death toll has reached 80, and local authorities flag a shortage of treatment-centre capacity.

Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed
Mali's military junta leader has assumed the role of defence minister after his predecessor, Sadio Camara, was killed in a major offensive by combined jihadist and separatist forces.