Steve Clarke makes shock decision on his future after Scotland World Cup failure
Scotland are looking for a new head coach after Steve Clarke stepped down from his post following their exit from the 2026 World Cup.
The Scots mustered three points from nine in Group C to end up behind Brazil and Morocco, with a minus three goal difference but it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams who move through to the last-32 of the competition.
Soon after Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday night confirmed that the Scots are still looking to qualify out of the group stages at a major finals for the first time, a statement on the national team’s official Twitter account read: ‘Scotland Men’s Head Coach Steve Clarke has stepped down from his role.
‘Our most successful National Team Head Coach has called time on his seven years in charge following our participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026.’
Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments and it was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.
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In a lengthy open letter to supporters on the Scottish FA’s website, the 62-year-old said: ‘The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now.
‘They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, thanked Clarke for his ‘record-breaking contribution’.
He said: ‘While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge.
‘From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.
‘We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.’
It is understood that the former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock boss had told his squad of his decision at their hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, which has been their base during the tournament, before the announcement of his departure.
It is not yet clear if Clarke, backroom staff and players will fly home on Sunday or Monday.
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