Hugo Broos retains position as Bafana Bafana's top coach, confirms South African football association

South Africa's football governing body has categorically denied rumors that Hugo Broos has relinquished his position as head coach of the Bafana Bafana team, following their groundbreaking 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) issued an official statement on Friday, confirming that the Belgian coach remains at the helm of the national team, contrary to reports suggesting he had ended his five-year tenure after the team's Round of 32 exit at the World Cup.

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A report by Belgian outlet Voetbalnieuws had claimed that the 74-year-old coach had described his decision to leave as "irreversible" and hinted that SAFA president Danny Jordaan was considering an alternative role for him, but the South African federation has insisted that these reports are entirely false.

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SAFA's official statement explicitly stated that "The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed claims that mentor Hugo Broos has left his role as the head coach of the South African senior men’s national team," and emphasized that "Broos remains as the head coach of Bafana Bafana and reports claiming the contrary are completely false."

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This is not the first time that speculation about Broos' future has surfaced, as similar rumors emerged after the team won bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, when he was linked to the Tunisia job, but he ultimately remained in charge.

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The federation has also drawn attention to South Africa's notable achievement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final group match, before losing to Canada in the Round of 32.

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According to SAFA, Broos is currently in Belgium and is expected to return to South Africa later this month, amid speculation about his future, which had been expected to come to an end after the World Cup when his contract expired.

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During the tournament, however, Broos indicated that he was open to extending his stay, and his future has sparked speculation, including rumors linking former South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane with a possible return to the national team.

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Under Broos' guidance, South Africa has experienced a significant transformation in their fortunes, with the 74-year-old coach leading Bafana Bafana to an AFCON bronze medal and their best-ever FIFA World Cup performance.