Belgian Hugo Broos announced his resignation as head coach of the South African national football team on Thursday, after two weeks of uncertainty over whether he would remain following Bafana Bafana's first-ever knockout stage appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Broos, 74, had stated before the tournament that he would retire, but he was unsure of his decision after South Africa lost to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32 on June 28, indicating he might lean toward staying. However, in an interview conducted in Belgium, he revealed that he would not remain in his position, though he might assist South Africa as a consultant. Broos told Belgian website Voetbal Nieuws: 'Will I eventually continue as coach? No, this is a final and irrevocable decision. If they need me for something else, perhaps in talent scouting, that's different, but football will no longer be a 24/7 part of my life.' He added: 'I have already spoken with the president of the South African federation, and he wants me to stay, but in a different role, as a consultant or similar. I will return at the end of July to say goodbye, and I am curious to see what they will propose.' Broos held the position for five years, becoming the longest-serving coach in the team's history, and successfully led them to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.