Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland head coach following the nation's elimination from the FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to his seven year tenure in charge. The Scottish Football Association confirmed Clarke's departure shortly after Croatia's victory over Ghana sealed Scotland's fate, with the Scots missing out on a place in the knockout rounds despite finishing third in Group C.
Scotland returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 but failed to secure one of the eight places available to the best third placed teams after recording one win and two defeats.
World Cup campaign ends in disappointment
Scotland opened its World Cup campaign with a 1 nil victory over Haiti before suffering consecutive defeats to Morocco and Brazil.
The team finished with three points but an inferior goal difference prevented it from progressing to the round of 32 under the expanded 48 team tournament format.
Scotland's elimination was officially confirmed after Croatia defeated Ghana, ending any hopes of advancing as one of the tournament's best third placed nations.
Clarke steps down after seven years
Clarke's resignation marks the end of one of the most successful periods for the Scottish national team in recent decades.
Appointed in 2019, he guided Scotland to the UEFA European Championship in 2020 and 2024 before leading the country back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Only last month, Clarke had signed a four year contract extension, making his immediate resignation a surprise.
"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," Clarke said in a statement.
Scottish FA pays tribute
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell praised Clarke's contribution despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit.
"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."
"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."
Lasting legacy
Although Scotland won only one match across its appearances at Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Clarke is widely credited with restoring belief and consistency within the national team.
He ended the country's long absence from major international tournaments and established Scotland as a regular qualifier after years of disappointment.
Attention will now turn to the Scottish FA's search for Clarke's successor, with preparations for the next qualification campaign beginning after the nation's latest World Cup journey came to an early conclusion.
