The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has begun the search for a new head coach following Steve Clarke’s resignation after Scotland’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Clarke stepped down on Saturday night after the national team failed to advance beyond the group stage in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Scotland finished third in Group C with three points, trailing Brazil and Morocco, and ended with a negative goal difference of three. However, their points tally was insufficient to secure a spot among the best third-placed teams progressing to the last 32. The confirmation came after Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana ended Scotland’s hopes of advancing.

Clarke, who had served as Scotland’s manager for seven years, released an open letter expressing his gratitude towards the players and supporters. He described his departure as "emotional" and praised his squad for their efforts and dedication throughout his tenure. “They deserve all the praise and adulation they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer,” Clarke wrote.

Under his leadership, Scotland qualified for three of the past four major tournaments, marking significant progress for the national team. Clarke’s tenure began in 2019 when Scotland was ranked among the lower tiers of international football. His impact included leading the team to top their World Cup qualifying group, a notable achievement for the country.

Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA, acknowledged Clarke’s “record-breaking contribution” in guiding Scotland back to major tournaments after a prolonged absence. Maxwell noted that despite the disappointment of the group-stage exit, Clarke’s accomplishments would be remembered by supporters once the immediate frustration subsides.

Clarke reportedly informed the players of his decision at their base in Charlotte, North Carolina, prior to the official announcement. His resignation comes less than a month after signing a new contract intended to extend his role until 2030, which drew some surprise and mixed reactions within the football community.

Scotland’s performance in the tournament included a 1-0 victory over Haiti but was followed by defeats to Morocco and Brazil. The loss to Brazil in Miami intensified pressure on the team to rely on results elsewhere to progress, which did not materialize.

With Clarke’s departure confirmed, the Scottish FA now faces the task of appointing a successor ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign set to begin in September, where Scotland will compete against Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. The new head coach will be charged with continuing Scotland’s development and striving to build on the foundation laid during Clarke’s tenure.