Steve Clarke quits as Scotland head coach after FIFA World Cup 2026 exit
Synopsis
Steve Clarke walked away from Scotland's biggest job just days after their first World Cup in 28 years ended in group-stage elimination. A 1-0 win over Haiti wasn't enough to offset defeats to Morocco and Brazil — and a seven-year era that redefined Scottish football is now over, with David Moyes reportedly waiting in the wings.
Key Takeaways
Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland head coach following the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage elimination.
Scotland's exit was confirmed after Croatia's win over Ghana ; Scotland finished third in Group C on three points .
Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 but lost 1-0 to Morocco and 3-0 to Brazil , with inferior goal difference ending their campaign.
Clarke's seven-year tenure included back-to-back UEFA Euro qualifications and Scotland's first men's World Cup in 28 years .
Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly a front-runner to succeed Clarke ahead of the 2028 Euros .
Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland head coach, ending a seven-year tenure that brought the nation back to the global stage, after Croatia's win over Ghana confirmed Scotland's elimination from FIFA World Cup 2026. The 62-year-old stepped down despite having recently signed a new four-year contract ahead of the tournament, citing the conclusion of a chapter he described as deeply personal.
How Scotland's Campaign Unfolded
Scotland entered World Cup 2026 with genuine optimism, opening Group C with a 1-0 victory over Haiti — their first World Cup win in decades. However, successive defeats derailed the campaign: a 1-0 loss to Morocco was followed by a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brazil, a match marked by defensive errors that proved costly. Scotland finished on three points but were eliminated due to an inferior goal difference, failing to advance to the last 32.
Clarke's Statement and Legacy
In a statement released by the Scottish Football Association (Scottish FA), Clarke paid tribute to his players above all else. '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 said. 'They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive, and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.'
Clarke's seven-year reign is widely regarded as transformational. He inherited a side ranked in pot four in 2019 and steered them to back-to-back UEFA European Championship qualifications before topping Scotland's World Cup qualifying group — a feat that secured the nation's first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Scottish FA Response
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, acknowledged the disappointment while defending Clarke's broader contribution. '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,' Maxwell said. '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 also made 'special mention' to Scotland's supporters, who had followed the team to a major tournament for the first time in a generation.
Who Could Replace Clarke
Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly among the leading candidates to take charge of Scotland ahead of the 2028 UEFA European Championship, a tournament Scotland could host on home soil. The Scottish FA is expected to begin its search for a successor in the coming weeks.
Point of View
Described as strewn with defensive errors, suggests structural problems that a contract extension papered over. The real test for the Scottish FA is whether it uses this transition to address those defensive vulnerabilities, or simply cycles in a familiar name like Moyes and repeats the pattern. Clarke deserves credit for the journey; his successor inherits the harder task of building a squad capable of surviving the knockout rounds.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Steve Clarke resign as Scotland head coach?
Steve Clarke resigned after Scotland were eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026 at the group stage, finishing third in Group C following defeats to Morocco and Brazil. He stepped down despite having recently signed a new four-year contract ahead of the tournament.
How did Scotland perform at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Scotland opened with a 1-0 win over Haiti but lost 1-0 to Morocco and 3-0 to Brazil, finishing on three points. They were eliminated due to an inferior goal difference, failing to advance to the last 32.
How long was Steve Clarke Scotland's head coach?
Steve Clarke served as Scotland head coach for seven years, from 2019 until his resignation in June 2026. During that time, he led Scotland to back-to-back UEFA European Championship qualifications and their first men's World Cup in 28 years.
Who is likely to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland head coach?
Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly among the leading candidates to succeed Clarke. The Scottish FA is expected to begin its search for a new head coach ahead of the 2028 UEFA European Championship.
What did the Scottish FA say about Clarke's departure?
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said the association was disappointed by the World Cup exit but praised Clarke's 'record-breaking contribution,' noting he had taken Scotland from a pot-four team in 2019 to topping their World Cup qualifying group.
