Nigeria-born defender Ime Okon has been included in South Africa national football team’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Okon, who was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, currently plays for Hannover 96 in Germany.
The 22-year-old has already earned five caps for Bafana Bafana and is set to make his debut appearance at a major international tournament after missing out on selection for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Hugo Broos also handed call-ups to Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross.
A breakdown of the squad shows that 19 players are drawn from clubs in the South African league.
South Africa squad
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders:
Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)
Midfielders:
Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (C.D. Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
