Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke Resigns After World Cup Exit

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has resigned following the national team's group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a seven-year spell in charge, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced on Saturday.

Clarke leaves as Scotland's most successful modern-era manager, having guided the national team to consecutive UEFA European Championships and its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years.

Scotland opened its World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti but suffered defeats to Morocco and Brazil, finishing third in the group and missing out on a place in the Round of 32.

In a farewell message to supporters, Clarke praised his players, saying they deserved the recognition they had earned and that leading the squad had been one of the greatest privileges of his career. He also thanked the Scottish football community for its support throughout his tenure and wished his successor every success.

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell acknowledged the disappointment of the early World Cup exit but stressed that it should not overshadow the significant progress achieved under Clarke's leadership.

Maxwell noted that Scotland had transformed from a fourth-seeded nation into a World Cup qualifying group winner, fulfilling the long-standing goal of returning the men's national team to major international tournaments. He also thanked Clarke for his record-breaking contribution to Scottish football.

The SFA chief reserved special praise for Scotland's supporters, highlighting the thousands of fans who traveled to the United States for the tournament. He said their commitment, despite the considerable financial cost, once again demonstrated their unwavering passion and made them outstanding ambassadors for both Scotland and its national team.