I will do everything possible to succeed at 2026 World Cup – South Africa coach Hugo Broos

Veteran trainer Hugo Broos has poured cold water on speculation about the end of his tenure with South Africa, insisting his full attention is firmly on delivering a memorable performance at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The 73-year-old Belgian tactician had previously hinted that the global showpiece, set to be hosted across United States, Mexico, and Canada, could mark the final chapter of his coaching career.

The tournament holds sentimental value for Broos, who featured for Belgium at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, making the upcoming edition feel like a full-circle moment.

That narrative had fueled widespread belief that Broos would step down after leading Bafana Bafana on football’s biggest stage. However, the veteran coach has now struck a different tone, making it clear that thoughts of retirement are not his immediate priority.

“I’m not thinking about the end,” Broos stated. “The most important thing for me is how we can have the best possible World Cup, better than the performance we had in Morocco.”

Broos was referring to South Africa’s showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a campaign that, while respectable, has clearly left the coach hungry for more on the global stage.

Rather than focusing on his departure, the former Cameroon boss is determined to push his squad to new heights, emphasizing preparation and performance as the ultimate goals in the months ahead.

“If I stop, I want it to be a nice ending to my career,” he added. “I will do everything in the next three months to succeed and have a very good World Cup.”

His renewed focus comes as Bafana Bafana continue their preparations during the current FIFA international break, including a friendly clash against Panama.

For Broos, the mission is clear: forget the farewell narrative and concentrate on making history. And if this does prove to be his final act, the experienced coach is determined to ensure it ends on a high note.