I will end my career as a coach at 2026 World Cup – South Africa coach Hugo Broos

Head coach of the South African national team, Hugo Broos has confirmed he will call it a quit as a coach at the end of the 2026 World Cup tournament.

The Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day of the African qualifiers on Tuesday.

The result saw South Africa finish top of their group with 18 points from 10 matches, edging out Benin and Nigeria in one of the tightest qualification races on the continent. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Johannesburg and other major cities, as fans rejoiced at the team’s return to the global stage.

This qualification ends South Africa’s long wait since their last World Cup appearance in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. They also featured in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002, with their best performance being a 17th-place finish.

However, the Belgian tactician has disclosed his career as a coach will come to an end after the 2026 World Cup.

“There are no words to express what I feel now,” Broos told SABC Sport. “The end of my career as a player was at the World Cup, and now I will end my career as a coach at the World Cup. What is more fantastic? Let’s enjoy it.

“I think the future is very bright for South African football. So let’s do a good AFCON in December and then go to America,” Broos concluded.

Their qualification comes at a time when African football is enjoying unprecedented representation. The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, giving Africa nine direct slots.

For South Africa, the focus now shifts to preparation and ambition. The team’s immediate target will be to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history and make a strong impression at the tournament.