Hugo Broos steps down as South Africa coach after historic World Cup run
Belgian coach Hugo Broos announced on 31 July 2026 that he will not renew his contract with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and is leaving his role as head coach of Bafana Bafana. He said the long absence from his family and the loneliness he felt while living in South Africa drove his decision.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan thanked Broos for his service, noting that under his five‑year tenure the team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reached the knockout stage for the first time in its history and finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Broos oversaw 60 matches, winning 29, drawing 19 and losing 12.
The association will now appoint a new coach, with former Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane reported as the frontrunner. Broos’ exit also raised the count of national‑team coaches who left after the 2026 World Cup to 17.
Entities: Bafana Bafana · Danny Jordaan · Hugo Broos · Pitso Mosimane · South African Football Association · South African Football Association (SAFA)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] South Africa finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. (multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pitso Mosimane is reported as a leading candidate to replace Broos as head coach. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] SAFA President Danny Jordaan thanked Broos for his service. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Under Broos, South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first qualification since 2002. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Broos' contract with SAFA expired on that date and was not renewed. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] South Africa reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, the first time in its history. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] He cited long family absence and lonely moments in South Africa as the reason for leaving. (multiple articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Hugo Broos announced his departure as South Africa men's national team head coach on 31 July 2026. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] South Africa were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup round of 32 by Canada. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Broos guided South Africa to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reach the knockout stage, finishing second in Group A. (multiple articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Hugo Broos announced his departure as South Africa head coach on 31 July 2026. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Broos cited long family absence and loneliness as reasons for leaving. (multiple articles)