South Africa coach Hugo Broos has offered a blunt assessment of Bafana Bafana’s World Cup exit, admitting his side were overpowered and outpaced by Canada in their last-32 defeat.

Canada edged a tense contest 1-0 in Los Angeles, with Stephen Eustaquio striking a dramatic winner in the second minute of added time. The late goal ended South Africa’s historic run at the tournament, where they had reached the knockout phase for the first time.

Broos, 74, did not hide from the physical gulf he believes separated the teams.

“I have said many times that modern football is more than just technique. There is power and speed, and we do not have it in our team yet. Canada had those qualities,” he said, reflecting on a match in which South Africa struggled to cope with the intensity of the co-hosts.

For long spells, Bafana Bafana were organised and disciplined, but Canada’s relentless pressing and quick transitions gradually pushed them deeper. By the closing stages, South Africa were clinging on, only to be punished when they failed to clear a late attack and Eustaquio pounced.

The defeat has also thrown Broos’s own future into sharp focus. The Belgian had signalled before the tournament that this World Cup would likely be his last act in a coaching career spanning more than three decades, saying he wanted more time with his family.

Yet in the aftermath of elimination, he suggested he would not rush into retirement.

“It is not clever to make decisions when you are disappointed, so I will not do it here,” he told reporters, hinting that he will take time to weigh up his options.

Within the South African Football Association, there is a growing feeling that Broos should remain involved in some capacity. Officials believe his experience and eye for talent could still benefit the national setup, whether as head coach or in a strategic role focused on scouting and monitoring South African players abroad.

Broos’s impact since taking charge in 2021 has been undeniable. He rebuilt a faltering side, guided them back to the World Cup after a 16-year absence and oversaw a landmark group-stage victory over South Korea that ignited nationwide enthusiasm. Crowds swelled from sparse attendances in early friendlies to full stadiums for World Cup warm-up matches, reflecting a renewed connection between Bafana Bafana and their supporters.

As South Africa turn their attention to the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, the central question now is whether Broos will be on the touchline, or watching from a distance, as the team tries to add power and speed to the technical base he has already restored.