Hugo Broos retires after leading South Africa back to the World Cup

Hugo Broos has ended his time as South Africa head coach and announced his retirement from football after guiding Bafana Bafana to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The 74-year-old Belgian confirmed his decision during an emotional press conference at Safa House on Friday, bringing months of uncertainty over his future to a close. Broos fought back tears as he explained that the time spent away from his family had played a decisive role in his choice not to renew his contract.

“My long absence from my family and lonely moments in South Africa have led me to make this difficult decision,” Broos said.

Broos will leave his position after more than four decades in coaching and a successful five-year spell with the South African national team. He took charge of Bafana Bafana in 2021 and helped restore confidence in a side that had struggled to maintain consistent results.

Under his leadership, South Africa qualified for consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments before ending a 16-year wait to return to the Fifa World Cup. Their last appearance had been in 2010, when South Africa hosted the tournament.

The achievement also had personal significance for Broos. He represented Belgium as a player at the 1986 World Cup, meaning his involvement in South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 tournament created a notable link between the beginning and end of his international career.

“Qualifying for the World Cup 40 years after my participation with the Belgium national team as a player in 1986 brought everything full circle, and that’s why I will not be extending my contract with Bafana Bafana.”

Broos’ final task came at the 2026 World Cup in North America. South Africa progressed to the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Canada, securing their best performance at the competition since the 2010 tournament on home soil.

His influence extended beyond the team’s results. Broos rebuilt the squad around a younger group of players and helped restore the winning mentality that had been missing from South African football for several years. His decision to give emerging players opportunities established the core of a team expected to lead Bafana Bafana into the next international cycle.

Safa begins search for successor

The South African Football Association (Safa) must now begin the process of finding a replacement for Broos. His successor will take charge of a squad with considerable promise but will face an immediate competitive test, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to begin in September.

Broos departs having achieved his primary objective of taking South Africa back to the World Cup. After five years in charge, he leaves Bafana Bafana in a significantly healthier position than the one he inherited, with a younger squad, renewed belief and a clearer path towards the next cycle.

Friday’s announcement therefore marked the conclusion of one of the most significant chapters in recent South African football history, as Broos stepped away from both the national team and the coaching career that had lasted more than 40 years.