FIFA World Cup 2026: This is my last WC, says Hugo Broos after South Africa's exit
California, June 29
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it is "not clever to take decisions when you are disappointed" after his side's World Cup exit, adding that he will reflect in the coming days before deciding his future.
He also hinted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last as a coach, marking the possible end of his international managerial career.
The defeat in Los Angeles, decided by Stephen Eustaquio's 92nd-minute strike for Canada, brought an end to a historic campaign in which South Africa reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
Despite the heartbreak, Hugo Broos's side left the tournament having achieved a major milestone, marking a breakthrough moment for South African football on the global stage.
"It's not clever to take decisions when you are disappointed. I will see in the next few days what I will do for the future. For sure, this is my last World Cup," Broos said as per Reuters.
Since taking charge in 2021, Hugo Broos has transformed South Africa into a disciplined and competitive side, rebuilding a team that had been absent from the FIFA World Cup since 2010 and guiding them back to the global stage as well as into the Round of 32.
His approach has largely focused on selecting a domestic-based squad, emphasising cohesion, structure, and collective understanding over individual star power.
South Africa's campaign recovered after a difficult start at the FIFA World Cup 2026. A chaotic 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico, in which two South African players were sent off, was followed by a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic and a 1-0 win over South Korea.
It marked the first time South Africa had progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup, having previously fallen short in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking loss for South Africa - losing to a 92nd-minute goal is just cruel. But honestly, reaching knockouts with 10 men against Mexico in the opening game and still bouncing back? That's the kind of grit we admire in sports. Broos has built something special. And as an Indian, I can only dream of our team showing such character on the world stage one day.
Honestly, Broos should stay. He's transformed SA football from obscurity to respectability. Yes, the defending against that last-minute goal was poor, but you can't ignore the overall journey. India should take notes - focus on domestic talent, build cohesion, and stop chasing foreign coaches every two years. Broos ka kaam kamaal ka hai! 👏
Gutted for South Africa but what a ride it was! As a neutral fan, you could see the team spirit Broos instilled. That win over South Korea was pure class. Yuvi bhai would be proud of their counter-attacking game! 😄
Respect for Broos for being honest about his emotions - it takes a big man to say 'I need time to think'. But I hope this isn't his last World Cup as a coach. South Africa need him to build on this momentum, especially with the domestic focus he's brought. Also, can we talk about how India could learn from this? A coach who stays for years and builds a system, not just a result? 🙏
Broos has done a fantastic job, but I have a slight criticism -
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