Ellis names 26-player Banyana Banyana squad
Head coach Desiree Ellis has named South Africa's 26-player squad for WAFCON 2026, blending 17 survivors from the 2024 tournament with nine new additions as the 2022 champions target a return to the summit.
Experience meets youth
Seventeen players from South Africa's 2024 squad have been retained, giving Ellis a core of finals experience, while nine new faces add fresh competition for places across the squad.
Past champions with a point to prove
Banyana Banyana won the title in 2022 and remain one of the continent's most consistent performers, with Ellis's side determined to reclaim the trophy after falling short in 2024.
What's next
South Africa's group opponents and schedule are confirmed as part of the July 26 – August 6 group stage, with the knockout rounds following ahead of the August 16 final.
Sources: South African Football Association, TimesLIVE, July 2026.