World Cup 2026: Hugo Broos fires back at critics as South Africa take on Canada in last 32 place

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has delivered a blunt defence of his methods ahead of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Canada at the Los Angeles Stadium, dismissing criticism from sections of the football community and insisting he will continue to “do things my way”.

The 74-year-old Belgian, who has overseen a dramatic transformation of South African football since taking charge in 2021, did not hold back when addressing his detractors.

“There was a lot of criticism from current and former coaches and players and some supporters,” Broos said. “They must know that I do things my way.

“I do not read social media trash. I never listen to people who think they are important. It would be better for them to shut up.

“Someone suggested a statue should be erected by South Africans in my honour. I told them to make it of wood so it burns quickly when we fail.”

Broos’ remarks come at a time when South Africa’s football journey under his leadership has swung between revival and frustration.

Since the country’s golden generation faded after the 2010 World Cup, Bafana Bafana have endured years of inconsistency, including repeated failures to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations and missing three successive World Cups.

When Broos arrived in 2021, interest in the national team had dwindled sharply, with home attendances falling below 200 in some fixtures.

That picture has changed significantly, with the team now attracting crowds of around 50,000 for recent warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup.

On the pitch, progress has also been evident. South Africa finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and topped a 2026 World Cup qualifying group that included Nigeria.

However, their form has been less stable in recent months, including a last-16 exit at the 2025 AFCON and a run of seven matches without a win before their victory over South Korea in the group stage.

Broos also revealed lingering frustration over criticism directed at him during the AFCON campaign in Morocco, where he was accused in some quarters of racist and sexist behaviour—claims he has consistently rejected.

He suggested the fallout had contributed to South Africa’s early exit from the tournament.

Despite the turbulence, Bafana now stand on the brink of a significant milestone.

Victory over Canada—who are ranked 22 places higher in the FIFA standings—would secure a place in the last 16, where a meeting with either the Netherlands or Morocco awaits.

For Broos, it is another defining moment in a tenure that has already reshaped South Africa’s football identity, even as debate over his methods continues to divide opinion.