Hugo Broos set to join elite group of World Cup player-coaches

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is poised to join an elite group of footballers who have been to the Fifa World Cup both as players and as coaches. This achievement comes hot on the heels of Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, a feat that has sparked great excitement and hope among fans and players alike in South Africa.

Broos, who has garnered a reputation as a tactician in the international football arena, expressed elation at the prospect of leading Bafana Bafana onto the world stage. “It’s an incredible opportunity for me and the team,” remarked Broos. “The journey to the World Cup has been challenging, but qualifying is a testament to our hard work and resilience.”

The tournament will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 2026. It will mark a significant milestone in Broos’s coaching career.

Broos’s accomplishment is a culmination of a remarkable career that began on the pitch. He represented Belgium at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986 and has since transitioned into coaching. His dual experience gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to compete at the highest level – an advantage that will be invaluable for Bafana Bafana as they aim to make their mark on a global stage.

This upcoming World Cup presents a golden opportunity for Broos and his squad, a chance to showcase South African talent and skill to the world. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, there is optimism that the team can defy expectations and achieve a memorable performance.

Bafana Bafana supporters remain hopeful that under Broos’s leadership, the team can advance beyond the group stages for the first time since 1998, challenging the notion that South Africa should be considered mere underdogs.

Several footballers have played and coached their countries at Fifa World Cup tournaments in the past. Here are five notable examples.

Henri Michel (France)

Henri Michel, a midfielder, represented France at the 1978 World Cup held in Argentina, participating in two matches alongside Michel Platini.

Following his playing career, Michel took on the role of coach at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, guiding the team to a commendable third-place finish. His tenure in South Africa as coach of Mamelodi Sundowns in 2008 ended abruptly after being chased by an angry mob demanding his resignation.

Mário Zagallo (Brazil)

Mário Zagallo, a talented left winger, represented and captained Brazil in the World Cups of 1958 in Sweden and 1962 in Chile, leading the team to victory in both tournaments.

He later coached Brazil during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, guiding the team to another championship. In the years that followed, he contributed to Brazilian teams as part of the technical staff, helping them secure two additional World Cup titles.

Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany)

Franz Beckenbauer, one of the most influential players in football history, represented West Germany in three World Cups: 1966, 1970, and 1974.

He captained the team that clinched victory on home turf in 1974. Later, in 1990, he coached West Germany to a World Cup title in Italy.

Alf Ramsey (England)

Alf Ramsey played in the 1950 World Cup as a defender for England. Later, Ramsey became England’s manager and led the team to its only World Cup victory in 1966.

His World Cup-winning squad was nicknamed the ‘Wingless Wonders’ because of his tactical innovation: he replaced wingers with players who could attack through the middle but also drop back to defend. This narrow formation confused opponents who expected attacks down the sides.

Didier Deschamps (France)

Didier Deschamps was a hard-working defensive midfielder who excelled at winning back possession and initiating attacks.

He also stood out for his leadership throughout his career. He played in the 1998 World Cup on home soil, and two decades later coached France to World Cup victory in 2018 in Russia.