South Africa confirm Hugo Broos departure after historic World Cup campaign

South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Hugo Broos will leave his position as head coach of Bafana Bafana following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Belgian coach’s future had been the subject of intense speculation since the tournament ended, with uncertainty over whether he would remain in charge of South Africa’s senior men’s national team.

SAFA announced Broos’ departure at a press conference in Johannesburg, where the 74-year-old was present as the decision was formally confirmed.

Broos had already indicated before the World Cup that he intended to step down once the tournament was over. He explained that, after several years spent away from home, he wanted to devote more time to his family.

Reports in recent weeks suggested that SAFA had offered the coach a one-year contract extension. The association, however, quickly rejected those claims and made clear that no such agreement had been reached.

His departure brings an end to a successful five-year period in charge of Bafana Bafana, during which he helped rebuild confidence in the team and guided South Africa back to the global stage.

Under Broos, South Africa qualified for the FIFA World Cup and progressed beyond the group stage for the first time in the country’s history of participation in the competition. The achievement represented a significant milestone for the national side and marked the high point of his tenure.

Broos also led Bafana Bafana to a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. That result further strengthened his standing after he had taken charge of a team that had endured a period of inconsistency and declining belief.

He leaves South Africa ranked among Africa’s top 10 nations and 54th in the FIFA world rankings. Those positions reflect the progress made during his time as coach and provide the clearest indication of the national team’s improved fortunes under his management.

The Belgian’s exit had been expected since his pre-tournament announcement, but the absence of an immediate contract agreement prompted renewed debate over whether SAFA might attempt to persuade him to continue.

That possibility was effectively ended by the association’s Johannesburg announcement, with Broos now set to depart after overseeing one of the most successful periods in Bafana Bafana’s recent history.

His tenure will be remembered for returning South Africa to the FIFA World Cup, taking the team beyond the group stage for the first time and securing a continental bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.