South Africa boss Hugo Broos delays retirement call ahead of 2026 World Cup

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has publicly reconsidered his plan to retire after the 2026 World Cup, saying he will take more time before making a final decision on his future.

The announcement comes as South Africa national football team prepare for two international friendlies against Panama national football team, with uncertainty now surrounding what had previously appeared to be a clear long-term plan.

Speaking at a press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday, Broos admitted he may have spoken too soon when he earlier indicated that the 2026 tournament would mark the end of his coaching career.

“Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to say that after the World Cup I should end my coaching career,” the national team coach stated.

While confirming that he had previously made that intention known, the Belgian suggested he is no longer certain about stepping down at that point. “For the moment, I still have to decide. Let’s wait and see what happens in three or four months.”

His revised stance appears to align with the position of the South African Football Association. During a sponsor presentation in Rosebank, association president Danny Jordaan confirmed that discussions with the coach are expected, although no succession planning has yet begun.

SAFA are understood to favour continuity, particularly given Broos’ record, which is described as the strongest statistically in the national team’s history.

The 72-year-old remains under a five-year contract signed in May 2021, reportedly earning around one million rand per month, keeping him tied to the role through to the next World Cup.

Despite the uncertainty over his long-term future, Broos made clear his ambitions remain unchanged. “If I retire, I want to retire on a high note. That means we have to perform well at the World Cup.”

Attention now turns to matters on the pitch, with South Africa set to face Panama in Durban on Friday before a second meeting in Cape Town next Tuesday.