Hugo Broos has confirmed he will retire from football in 2026, ending a distinguished career that has spanned more than 40 years across both playing and coaching roles.
The 73-year-old Belgian, currently in charge of South Africa’s national team, revealed in an interview with MIDMID that his decision to step away from the game is now final.
Broos stated that the exact timing of his departure will depend on whether Bafana Bafana secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I’ve said before that I was thinking about retiring, but now it’s settled. If we fail to qualify for the World Cup, I’ll step down in January. If we make it, I’ll go after the tournament,” Broos said.
The veteran manager has led South Africa since 2021, overseeing a period of transition and renewed ambition for the national team.
Under his guidance, Bafana Bafana reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, their best performance in over two decades, reigniting belief among supporters.
Broos’ potential departure in 2026 would bring the curtain down on a long and respected footballing journey.
His career began on the pitch, where he spent the majority of his playing days as a defender with Belgian clubs RSC Anderlecht and Club Brugge. As a player, he won numerous domestic titles and earned over 20 caps for the Belgian national team.
His transition into coaching was equally impressive. Broos enjoyed managerial spells in Belgium with the likes of Club Brugge, Anderlecht, and KRC Genk, before expanding his reach internationally. He guided Cameroon to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2017, a triumph that elevated his reputation across the continent.
Appointed to the South African job in May 2021, Broos took on the challenge of rebuilding the squad with a focus on young talent.
Though his tenure faced criticism at times, particularly during early qualification campaigns, his long-term vision began yielding results.
South Africa’s performance at the most recent AFCON earned him praise for reviving the team’s competitive edge.
Despite the prospect of retirement, Broos remains fully committed to his current role. Preparations are already underway for the next phase of World Cup qualifiers, and the coach has emphasised the importance of securing a place in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“It’s not about me anymore,” Broos said in the interview. “It’s about finishing strong and helping the team reach its full potential. Then I can say goodbye to football with pride.”
Broos will leave behind a legacy defined by resilience, adaptability, and continental success. His impact in both Europe and Africa has been significant, and he remains one of the few European coaches to win a major trophy with an African national side.
As South Africa prepares for a pivotal period in their footballing future, Broos’ final act on the international stage could yet be one of his most memorable. Whether it ends in January or after the World Cup, his departure will mark the end of an era for African football.
