Bafana Bafana: Will Percy Tau play at 2026 FIFA World Cup?

With Bafana Bafana having qualified for the tournament, the big question for Percy Tau is whether or not he will be part of Hugo Broos's squad for the next year's global showpiece. Despite being fit, Percy Tau has recently fallen out of favour with Hugo Broos. The 'Lion of Judah' was not included in the most recent South African squad named for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. Furthermore, the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns attacker was not a part of any of the squads named prior to that. In fact, he has missed the vast majority of national team matches this year having made just two appearances in 2025. Now, with Bafana qualifying for 2026 FIFA World Cup, the question is whether Tau can return to the national set-up in time. The now 31-year-old Tau faces an uphill battle to return to the national team given his current form and the depth and talent available up front. Up front, Bafana Bafana are not short of options to call upon. Currently, the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi and Mohau Nkota are all preferred in attack by Broos. They are all younger options who are in form. Tau will have turned 32 by the time next year's Bafana Bafana World Cup squad is named. Meanwhile, Percy Tau has reportedly not been at his best since leaving Egyptian giants Al Ahly. He currently plays for little-known Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC in Vietnam. Several pundits and fans alike feel that he is 'past his prime' and it's time to reward to young brigade. However, Tau still has time to silence his doubters and play his way back into the Bafana Bafana fold.