No knockout stage, no party: Head coach quits minutes after 2026 World Cup exit is confirmed
Scotland’s exit from the 2026 World Cup triggered a dramatic end to Steve Clarke’s seven-year spell in charge.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has resigned after seven years in charge, just minutes after his team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup was confirmed.
How Scotland’s World Cup hopes ended
The Scots looked to be in a reasonable position to qualify for the round of 32 after a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 defeat to Morocco. However, a 3-0 loss to Brazil on Wednesday meant their hopes of progressing as one of the eight best third-placed teams depended on other results.
Scotland’s exit was sealed on Saturday when Croatia’s victory over Ghana ensured the African side would qualify as one of the best third-placed teams on four points, along with four other nations.
Scotland Men’s Head Coach Steve Clarke has stepped down from his role.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 27, 2026
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’s side collected three points, which will be enough for three more countries to qualify. However, their minus-3 goal difference means they will finish the tournament as either the ninth or 10th best third-placed team, depending on how Algeria and Austria fare in their final group game against each other.
Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stage in nine World Cups and have now been eliminated on goal difference four times.
Clarke leaves a month after signing new deal
When Clarke took the job in May 2019, Scotland had not qualified for a major tournament in 21 years. Since then, they have featured at two European Championships as well as the 2026 World Cup, although the results and performances at all three tournaments have been disappointing.
Clarke’s decision to step down comes less than a month after signing a new four-year contract as Scotland manager.
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