Bafana Bafana gear up for Nicaragua friendly after final 26-man squad announcement

South Africa will face Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic at the global showpiece set to kick off in the United States, Canada and Mexico on June 11.

First they will use this game and a reported friendly with Jamaica to warm up for the tournament opener with co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.

Bafana boss Hugo Broos only just announced his final 26-man squad that he will be taking with him to the World Cup and this clash represents the first chance for the starting eleven to stake their claim.

The two sides have never met before, with Friday's clash taking place at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Bafana are eager to go past the group stage for the very first time in their fourth showing at the World Cup, with their last appearance coming as hosts in 2010.

Nicaragua failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and arrived in South Africa with a youthful squad.

While Bafana have not won any of their last three games, Nicaragua have lost six of their last eight outings. They ended in last place in their World Cup qualifying group.

Prior to the announcement of his squad, Broos said: "There were some hard decisions to make. When you select a squad and make a list of players, you will always disappoint some players, and I know the disappointment for those who had to drop out tonight will be very, very hard.

"It's a World Cup. We want to go to the World Cup, so these are decisions that have to be made. I was a player myself, so I know how they will feel after I announced the 26 players. That is also part of the job."

New Nicaragua head coach Juan Cruz Real added that he is looking to use this game to give the next generation chance as he looks to rebuild the team.

"I think it is a great opportunity that we are going to have to start this process by playing two matches against very well-ranked national teams, even though they are participating in the World Cup," he said on SuperSport.

“It will also give us the chance to get to know the players who will be part of this first squad better, to see the level we are at.”

Full Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine.

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams.

Strikers: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko.

Full Nicaragua squad:

Goalkeepers: Alvar López (Managua), Darryl Parker (Real Esteli), Adonis Pineda (Punrarenas, Costa Rica)

Defenders: Justing Cano (Diriangen), Steven Cáceres (Managua), Joab Gutiérrez (Real Esteli), Ebert Martínez, Leyner Moses (Real Esteli), Anyelo Velásquez (Diriangen)

Midfielders: Oliver Bello (Real Esteli), Edgar Castillo (Sebaco), Jason Coronel (Real Esteli), José Martínez (Managua), Efraín Mejía (Sebaco), Jonathan Moncada (Diriangen), Jacob Montes (RWD Molenbeek, Belgium), Jefferson Rivera (Perez Zeledón), Osmin Salinas, Widman Talavera (both Real Esteli), Amadeus Zamora (Chemnitzer, Germany)

Forwards: Raheem Cole (Punrarenas, Costa Rica), Jorge García (Matagalpa), Ariagner Smith (FC Ulytau Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan).