Steve Clarke steps down as Scotland manager after World Cup group stage exit

Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland manager after their group stage elimination from the 2026 World Cup was confirmed on Sunday. The timing could not have been more painful.

Clarke had signed a new contract with the Scottish Football Association right before the tournament, a deal set to take him through to 2030. But just 30 days after that announcement, Clarke resigned, ending a seven-year reign that brought Scotland back to the world stage.Scotland came into the World Cup with hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time. They had a tricky group but were aiming for history.

After an opening-round 1-0 win over Haiti, they lost 1-0 to Morocco and fell 3-0 to Brazil. Their final goal difference of minus-three was enough to see them miss out on a spot in the final 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Clarke was clearly emotional following Scotland's loss to Brazil on Wednesday, walking off from a TV interview shortly after the match, though he was quick to praise his players' commitment. On Sunday, he made his decision official.

"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. "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."The SFA paid tribute to a manager who transformed Scottish football. "From starting as a Pot 4 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," said SFA CEO Ian Maxwell.Clarke took up the Scotland role in 2019 and led them to Euro 2021, Euro 2024, and their first World Cup in 28 years, qualifying with a memorable 4-2 win over Denmark.