Steve Clarke Resigns as Scotland Coach Following 2026 World Cup Group-Stage Exit

Steve Clarke resigned as head coach of the Scotland national football team after the side exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the group stage. The Scottish FA announced his departure in a statement moments after Croatia's win over Ghana on Saturday confirmed Scotland's elimination.

BBC Scotland reported that the players were informed of the resignation while the squad remained at its base in Charlotte.

Clarke had signed a new four-year contract extension only a month earlier. Clarke took the Scotland job in May 2019. Under his leadership the team reached two UEFA European Championships and the 2026 World Cup, ending a long absence from major tournaments.

Scotland's sole victory in the group stage came with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston. The side then lost 1-0 to Morocco in the same city and 3-0 to Brazil in Miami, with elimination confirmed three days after the Brazil match. In a letter released with the announcement, Clarke said the most emotional part of the departure was for his players.

"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," he stated. "They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.

" Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said the organization remained disappointed by the group-stage exit but recognized the progress achieved.

"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," Maxwell stated.