Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: South Africa and New Zealand Name Their Squads

South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee announced a 2026 Commonwealth Games squad in Johannesburg, with women forming the majority of the delegation. Chef de Mission Bongiwe Msomi will lead the team, which will compete in ten sports including artistic gymnastics, athletics, boxing, cycling, judo, netball, swimming, weightlifting, bowls and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. SASCOC President Barry Hendricks said, “It goes without saying that we have the utmost confidence in the squad… All we ask of the team is that they do their best, and the results will take care of themselves.” Financial incentives for medalists were also confirmed.

New Zealand named a 116‑strong team for Glasgow, comprising 65 women and 51 men across the same ten sports, with athletes representing Māori, Cook Islands, Samoan and Tongan communities. Chef de Mission Nigel Avery highlighted the mix of experience and fresh talent, noting that 63 athletes are making their Games debut while veterans such as gymnast Misha Koudinov are heading to their sixth Commonwealth Games. The youngest squad member is 18‑year‑old gymnast Sienna Shields and the oldest is 67‑year‑old lawn bowls player Julie O’Connell.