Hugo Broos retires as South Africa coach after World Cup

Hugo Broos has officially ended his tenure as head coach of South Africa's national football team, concluding a historic five-year period that saw the team reach the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time. The 74-year-old Belgian confirmed his retirement in interviews published on July 10, 2026, stating his decision to leave coaching is irreversible.

Broos had long signaled that the 2026 World Cup in North America would be his final assignment. His team's journey ended with a 1-0 loss to co-host Canada in the round of 16 on June 28. Despite a brief period of uncertainty following the tournament, Broos has now definitively ruled out continuing as head coach. He explained that football will no longer be a part of his life 24 hours a day, though he is open to a different role within the sport.

The veteran coach revealed he has already discussed a potential advisory or scouting position with South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan. Broos plans to return to South Africa at the end of July to formally bid farewell and consider any formal proposal. He joked about his wife's reaction to his retirement, noting she is happy he is quitting but...