EDINBURGH (SCOTLAND) – Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach following the national team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Clarke, who guided Scott McTominay and his teammates to Scotland’s first World Cup qualification in 28 years, resigned after the team’s exit was confirmed overnight by results in the other groups.
After seven years in charge, Clarke paid the price for defeats to Morocco and Brazil, which left Scotland third in their group, ahead of only Haiti, whom they defeated in their opening match.
“The most emotional part of this farewell is saying goodbye to my players. Without them, none of the memorable moments we’ve shared since 2019 would have been possible. They deserve every bit of the praise and affection they receive, and it has been a true honor to be their coach,” Clarke said. “Thank you for welcoming me, and I wish my successor the very best.”
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell also paid tribute to Clarke.
“While we are all disappointed by our group-stage exit from the World Cup, we should not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge,” Maxwell said.
“Starting as a fourth-seeded nation in 2019 and going on to win our World Cup qualifying group, he more than fulfilled the objective of returning Scotland to a major international tournament. We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution, and once the disappointment of this World Cup exit fades, I know Scotland supporters will look back on his tenure with great appreciation.”
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
