Hugo Broos Steps down as South Africa Head Coach

Hugo Broos has officially stepped down as head coach of the South Africa national team, bringing an end to a five-year spell in charge following the country's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

The 74-year-old Belgian coach had previously hinted that he could retire after the tournament but briefly reconsidered his future after South Africa's Round of 32 exit against Canada. However, Broos has now confirmed that his decision to leave is final.

"Will I continue as a coach? No, the decision is final," Broos said in remarks quoted by Reuters.

Although he is leaving the dugout, Broos revealed he could remain involved with South African football in a different capacity. He said the president of the South African Football Association had expressed a desire for him to stay on as an advisor rather than as head coach.

"If they need me in another role, such as scouting or as an advisor, that's different. But football will no longer be part of my daily life," he explained.

Broos added that he will return at the end of July to officially say goodbye and discuss any potential future role with the federation.

During his five years in charge, Broos became the longest-serving coach in South Africa's history and guided the national team to its first FIFA World Cup qualification in 16 years.

The veteran manager also admitted that his wife welcomed the decision to step away from full-time coaching, joking that she warned him not to become "a burden at home," although he remains open to taking on short-term football projects in the future.