Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigns after group-stage exit at 2026 World Cup

Scotland's group-stage campaign

Scotland returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, but their stay was brief. Competing in Group C, they beat Haiti 1-0 in their opening match, then lost 0-1 to Morocco and 0-3 to Brazil. With three points and a goal difference of minus three, they finished third in the group, behind Brazil and Morocco, both on seven points. Haiti ended with no points. That total was not enough to secure one of the eight best third-place slots for the round of 16, and elimination was confirmed late on Saturday night.

Brazil7

Morocco7

Scotland3

Haiti0

Brazil

7

Morocco

7

Scotland

3

Haiti

0

Data from the article text

Resignation after seven years

Clarke had led the national team since 2019, taking Scotland to two European Championships and becoming the country's most decorated manager. His tenure ended with a statement from the Scottish FA published overnight, Polish time, once the mathematical chance of progression had vanished. He stepped down immediately, bringing to a close 81 matches in charge.

Wins38

Draws14

Losses29

Wins

38

Draws

14

Losses

29

Data from the article text

Statements from Clarke and the Scottish FA

Clarke addressed fans in a letter included in the SFA announcement. "Being manager was a true honor. I thank you for the chance and wish my successor good luck," he wrote.

“Being manager was a true honor. I thank you for the chance and wish my successor good luck.”

Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish FA, expressed gratitude for Clarke's work. "We thank Steve for his contribution to the development of the national team. We know that when the disappointment of the result fades, fans will be grateful that he led the team to major tournaments," Maxwell said.

“We thank Steve for his contribution to the development of the national team. We know that when the disappointment of the result fades, fans will be grateful that he led the team to major tournaments.”

A familiar World Cup story

Scotland have now appeared at nine World Cups without once advancing beyond the group stage, a record that fuels frequent descriptions of them as the worst-performing side in tournament history. This campaign followed the same pattern: a promising start, two narrow defeats, and an early flight home.

Broader coaching turnover

The World Cup has already seen multiple coaching departures. Tunisia's manager Sabri Lamouchi resigned after just one group match, making Clarke the second head coach to leave his post during the tournament. Scotland's next opponent, Brazil, will face Japan in the round of 16, while Morocco play the Netherlands.