Steve Clarke steps down as Scotland manager after seven years, as 2026 FIFA World Cup exit confirmed via third-place rankings
Updated 28/06/2026 at 08:05 GMT+1
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Steve Clarke has stepped down from his role as Scotland manager, immediately after their 2026 FIFA World Cup exit was confirmed on Saturday evening. His side took three points from their three group-stage games.
Scotland 'probably going home', admits Clarke after Brazil loss
Video credit: SNTV
Scotland began their World Cup campaign with a laboured 1-0 victory over Haiti, just about getting the job done in a must-win game, given the behemoths that were to follow.
Scotland were beaten 1-0 by Morocco before being swatted aside 3-0 by five-time World Cup winners Brazil, in an error-strewn display.
At the time, Scotland had a 42% chance of progression, according to Opta - but that dwindled at an alarming rate as each group concluded.
Their exit was officially confirmed on Saturday evening, with Ghana's loss to Croatia placing The Black Stars into the third-place picture, and above Scotland by a point.
Ghana joined the likes of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sweden and Ecuador among the eight teams that had a better record than Clarke's men.
With The Tartan Army having been put out of their misery and able to book their plane tickets home, the Scottish FA announced Clarke's decision to step down within minutes of the Ghana match.
He wrote in an open letter to the Scotland fans: "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.
"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."
Chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "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.
"We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again."
According to the BBC, Clarke informed the squad on Saturday evening at their Charlotte training base, and it came as a complete surprise to his troops.
His departure comes exactly one month after signing a new contract which was set to keep him in the job for one more World Cup cycle, running through to 2030.
Clarke led Scotland to three major tournaments during his seven years in charge, ending a barren run for the nation which had seen a 28-year absence from the World Cup and 24 from the European Championship.
Though Scotland enjoyed memorable qualification campaigns, with magical moments from a relatively strong team featuring elite-level players such as Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay, Clarke's style of play was heavily criticised.
After failing to make it out of the group and without a single win across Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, this summer's extravaganza in North America provided an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Scotland did not take that chance, with the former West Bromwich Albion and Reading boss opting for a safety-first approach which saw only a single goal scored, via a deflected John McGinn effort.
The side failed to make an impression in an attacking sense, either in racking up the goal difference against Haiti or chasing an equaliser against Morocco.
Ange Postecoglou, David Moyes and Steven Naismith are all among the bookmakers' favourites to replace Clarke in the hot seat.
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