The tournament, which runs from 26 July to 16 August, presents another opportunity for the reigning African champions to cement their status among the continent’s elite. Ellis will trim the squad to 26 players before the team departs for Morocco on 18 July.
The preliminary squad features the core group that has represented South Africa over the past few months, reflecting Ellis’ faith in a settled squad. There are also welcome returns for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Ronnel Donnelly and Cimone Sauls, who have earned recalls after lengthy absences from the national team setup.
Banyana Banyana will assemble for a training camp on 12 July as preparations intensify ahead of the continental showpiece.
South Africa has been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Based in Casablanca throughout the group stages, the defending champions will begin their campaign against Tanzania on 27 July before taking on Ivory Coast on 31 July. Their final group match will be against Burkina Faso on 4 August.
All of Banyana Banyana’s group stage fixtures will be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, where Ellis’ side will look to make a strong start in their quest to retain the title they won in 2022.
The tournament also carries added significance, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.
South Africa heads into WAFCON 2026 determined to improve on its fourth-place finish at the 2024 edition, where Nigeria reclaimed the continental title. With an experienced squad, a proven coaching team and the confidence of former champions, Banyana Banyana will once again aim to make a deep run in Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.
The preliminary squad includes goalkeepers Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart and Katlego Moletsane. Defenders are Fikile Magama, Karabo Dhlamini, Shakira O’Malley, Bambanani Mbane, Khutso Pila, Sinegugu Zondi, Asanda Hadebe, Antonia Maponya, Tisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Sibulele Holweni, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado and Noxolo Cesane.
The midfield department features Bongeka Gamede, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Zoe October, Lebohang Ramalepe, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Isabella Ludwig, Amogelang Motau, Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Cimone Sauls, while the forwards are Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Bonolo Mokoma and Ronnel Donnelly.