Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigns as head coach following the team’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the group stage. After finishing Group C with three points from nine matches, Scotland do not progress to the knockout phase. Sources report they finish behind Brazil and Morocco, with a minus three goal difference, and are unable to qualify among the competition’s eight best third-placed teams. Confirmation of their elimination comes after Croatia defeat Ghana, which leaves Scotland unable to reach the last 32.

Clarke has been in the role since 2019 and had recently signed a four-year contract extension before the tournament. Multiple outlets describe the resignation as coming quickly after Scotland’s elimination is confirmed. Scotland’s national team statement on social media cites Clarke’s stepping down from his seven-year tenure at the World Cup finals. In an open letter to supporters published on the Scottish FA website, Clarke thanks players and says his successor will take over.

The Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell thanks Clarke for a “record-breaking” contribution, while the Scotland team begins the process of finding a new permanent head coach.