End of an Era: Broos confirms 2026 exit after guiding Bafana Bafana to glory and World Cup qualification

Hugo Broos will walk away from Bafana Bafana after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a tenure that has restored belief, pride, and purpose in South African football.

The 73-year-old Belgian mentor confirmed his decision after guiding Bafana to a 3-0 win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night — a result that, combined with Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin in Uyo, sealed South Africa’s passage to next year’s global showpiece.

Broos’ men topped Group C after a gruelling qualification campaign, finishing a point ahead of Nigeria and Benin. 

The Super Eagles’ emphatic victory may have earned them an unlikely play-off lifeline, but it was Bafana who emerged as the group’s dominant force — resilient, organised, and consistent from start to finish.

And for Broos, qualification marks both a personal and professional milestone. 

The veteran coach revealed that the World Cup in 2026 will be his last act in football — a fitting final chapter to a storied career spanning over five decades as a player and coach.

“Don’t ask me how my emotions are because I don’t have words for that at the moment,” said Broos after the final whistle. “I hoped more than anyone that we qualify so it’s a very sentimental moment.

“I was at a World Cup as a player towards the end of my career and now I do it again. I think it’s the right moment next year, after the World Cup, to stop my career and enjoy the next 20 years with my children and my grandchildren.

“But first of all, we’ve got some work to do, and we’ll try to do it well.”

Broos’ journey with South Africa has not always been smooth. 

From criticism over squad selections to debates about his outspoken nature, the Belgian has often stood alone in his convictions. Yet, his methods have delivered undeniable results.

Since his appointment in 2021, Bafana have evolved into a disciplined and cohesive unit capable of competing with Africa’s elite. 

Under his stewardship, they finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, qualified comfortably for AFCON 2025, and have now reached a World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years.

Beyond the numbers, Broos has instilled a culture of belief — one rooted in hard work, tactical structure, and trust in young talent. 

Players like Oswin Appollis, Teboho Mokoena, and most recently Sipho Mbule have flourished under his guidance, while seasoned campaigners such as Nkosinathi Sibisi and Ronwen Williams have become cornerstones of his philosophy.

As South Africa now prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of the year and the World Cup in 2026, Broos’ impending departure will inevitably raise questions about succession. 

But for now, the focus remains on finishing his chapter with distinction — the veteran determined to leave behind a legacy defined by unity and progress.

For a nation that once yearned to return to football’s grandest stage, Broos’ leadership has delivered more than just qualification — it has reignited a dream. 

And when he finally walks away after the World Cup, he will do so having restored hope where it had long been lost.