I will stop coaching after the 2026 World Cup – South Africa coach Hugo Broos

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has laid out his plans for life after coaching, confirming he will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup while expressing a desire to remain involved in football in some capacity.

The 74-year-old Belgian, who took charge of South Africa in 2021, says the upcoming global tournament will mark the end of his long coaching career, citing the physical and mental demands of the job after decades in the dugout.

Broos has enjoyed a largely successful spell with Bafana Bafana, highlighted by a bronze medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and a steady restoration of competitiveness on the international stage.

In an interview with 947’s MSW, the former Cameroon coach reiterated that his decision is final.

“No, I have not changed my mind. I will stop coaching after the World Cup,” Broos said.

“It’s not because of South Africa, or just because I am 74 years old. But since I was 36, I have been a coach, so you can count,” he added, reflecting on a career spanning nearly four decades.

He explained that the increasing demands of the role had influenced his decision to step away, adding that he intends to end on a high note.

“You start to feel that some parts of the job require you to push yourself, and when that happens, you decide you are at the end,” he said.

Broos also revealed he hopes to conclude his coaching journey on a memorable note, ideally by guiding Bafana Bafana beyond the group stage at the World Cup.

“I couldn’t dream of a nicer end than going to the World Cup and then saying, ‘okay, guys, thank you very much, now it’s finished. The job of the coach is done,’” he said.

While preparing to exit the dugout, Broos made it clear he is not ready to cut ties with the sport entirely.

“The only thing I want is, if possible, to stay in football,” he noted, though he admitted he does not see himself working in the game on a daily basis after retirement.

Despite nearing the end of his coaching journey, Broos insists his motivation remains intact as he targets one final achievement on the global stage.