Hugo Broos (74, Belgium) of the South African national team, who sent South Korean football to the abyss at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, has decided to end his coaching career.

The Associated Press reported on July 31 (local time) that "as he had signaled even before the opening of the North and Central America World Cup, coach Broos has decided not to extend his contract and is retiring from coaching."

Broos' contract to lead the South African national team ran through July.

The South African Football Association also announced on the same day that "National team head coach Broos has stepped down."

It was reported that the South African association had initially proposed a one-year contract extension to Broos until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in July of next year.

Through the South African association, Broos shared the background of his resignation, saying, "Living apart from my family for a long time and the time I spent alone in South Africa led me to make this difficult decision," adding, "Having qualified for the World Cup finals once again, 40 years after participating in the World Cup as a Belgian national team player in 1986, my football life has been perfectly completed."

He also reflected on his past five years or so as South Africa's head coach, stating, "In my 38 years of coaching, I have never received such great respect and gratitude."

Broos took charge of the South African national team in May 2021.

Under Broos, South Africa finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the knockout stage for the first time in history at this year's North and Central America tournament, which was their return to the World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years since the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament.

In their third Group A match against South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, they won 1-0 to finish second in Group A behind Mexico (3 wins) with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, successfully advancing to the round of 32.

Born in 1952, Broos also set a record as the oldest winning head coach in World Cup finals history at the age of 74 years and 75 days.

On the other hand, South Korea was left with 1 win and 2 losses due to this defeat, falling to third place in the group and ultimately exiting the tournament, with repercussions following such as coach Hong stepping down.

South Africa lost 0-1 to co-host Canada in the round of 32 and could advance no further.

(Photo: Yonhap News)