How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Canada in the FIFA World Cup

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 26 Jun 2026

John Eastwood 26 Jun 2026

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Ronwen Williams to captain and start in goal.
Defence unchanged; Mokoena returns to midfield.
Makgopa starts upfront, with strong attacking options on the bench.

Teboho Mokoena is back from suspension and is a certain starter in midfield (Getty Images).

South Africa face Canada in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 21:00 SAST at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday, 28 June.
GOALKEEPER
DEFENCE
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
ATTACK

Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Bafana Bafana.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams will play in goal and will captain the team.

DEFENCE

The defence is set to remain unchanged from the win over South Korea.

Khuliso Mudau will be the right back with Ime Okon of Hannover 96 to his right. Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba will complete the defence.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension and is certain to start. It is a straight choice between Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha to play alongside him. Sithole is likely to get the nod.

Themba Zwane are suspended for this match, so Rele Mofokeng will again play as the number ten.

ATTACK

Oswin Appollis looks likely to play down the left wing. However, Tshepang Moremi did well off the bench vs South Korea and is an option.

In the number nine role, Evidence Makgopa should start again. Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners will be options as impact subs.

Thapelo Maseko will start as the right winger.

Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation):

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela) - Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates).

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.