Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland’s head coach after the national team’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 was officially confirmed. The Scottish Football Association announced his departure following seven years in charge, bringing an end to a tenure that included Scotland’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest tournament after a 28-year absence.
Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage ended after Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1, leaving the team unable to qualify as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed sides. Although Scotland opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, consecutive defeats left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
The team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco before losing 3-0 against Brazil, finishing third in Group L with three points and a goal difference of minus three. After the Brazil match, Clarke and his players admitted that progressing to the last 32 had become highly unlikely, and later results confirmed their exit.
Scotland’s latest disappointment extended a long-standing record of failing to advance beyond the group stage at major international tournaments. The national side has now participated in nine FIFA World Cups and four UEFA European Championships without progressing past the opening round, despite several memorable qualification campaigns.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney praised Clarke for guiding the team back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and wished him success in the future. In his farewell message, Clarke thanked his players for their commitment since 2019 and expressed confidence that his successor would continue building on the team’s progress.