Key Points
- Steve Clarke resigns after Scotland’s group-stage exit
- Scotland returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years under Clarke
- Scottish FA praises Clarke’s seven-year tenure and achievements
ISLAMABAD: Steve Clarke has stepped down as head coach of the Scotland men’s national football team following the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Scottish Football Association announced on Saturday.
The 62-year-old brings to a close a seven-year spell widely regarded as one of the most successful eras in Scotland’s modern football history.
His resignation came after Scotland finished third in Group C and failed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Scotland returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 under Clarke’s leadership, ending a 28-year absence from football’s biggest tournament.
During his tenure, he also guided the national side to consecutive European Championship appearances, restoring Scotland as a regular participant in major international competitions, according to Reuters.
In a statement, the Scottish Football Association described Clarke as “the country’s most successful national coach.” The Association confirmed that he had decided to end his time in charge following Scotland’s exit from the World Cup.
Scottish World Cup campaign
Scotland’s World Cup campaign began positively with a victory over Haiti. However, defeats against Morocco and Brazil left the team with three points, insufficient to secure one of the eight places available for the best third-placed finishers advancing to the Round of 32.
Clarke took over the national team in 2019 and transformed its fortunes after years of disappointment.
His side qualified for UEFA Euro 2020, ending a 23-year wait for a major tournament, followed by qualification for UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His departure leaves the Scottish Football Association searching for a successor to build on the progress achieved over the past seven years and prepare the national team for the next qualification cycle.
