Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland's head coach following the national team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup at the group stage.
The 62-year-old, widely regarded as the most successful manager in Scotland's history, announced his departure after seven years at the helm.
Clarke guided the Tartan Army to their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and secured qualification for two consecutive European Championships during his tenure.
His resignation comes despite having committed to a fresh four-year deal as recently as May, underscoring the weight of Scotland's tournament exit on the veteran coach's decision.
Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager
|REUTERS
Scotland's World Cup campaign began promisingly with a 1-0 triumph over Haiti, the group's lowest-ranked side, courtesy of John McGinn's deflected effort – the nation's first World Cup victory in 36 years.
That goal would prove to be their sole strike of the entire tournament.
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Tougher opposition awaited in Group C, where both Morocco and Brazil ranked among the world's top 10 teams.
The 2022 semi-finalists Morocco prevailed 1-0 with a goal inside the opening two minutes, before Brazil inflicted a comprehensive 3-0 defeat in Miami.
Scotland finished third with three points and a goal difference of minus three.
Scotland were eliminated from the World Cup following Croatia's win
| REUTERSCroatia's 2-1 victory over Ghana in Group L sealed Scotland's fate, confirming they could not finish among the eight best third-placed teams required to reach the knockout rounds.
Following their heavy defeat to Brazil, Clarke and several players had acknowledged that progression to the last 32 appeared improbable.
Scotland endured an anxious wait of several days as remaining group fixtures played out, with results elsewhere – including Ecuador's comeback against Germany – reducing their chances to just 5.26 per cent before Croatia's win ended their hopes entirely.
The elimination extends Scotland's unwanted record at major tournaments, having competed in nine World Cups and four European Championships without ever advancing beyond the opening phase.
In his farewell statement, Clarke expressed deep gratitude towards the squad he had led since 2019.
Scotland's heavy defeat to Brazil meant they were always in serious danger of crashing out
|REUTERS
"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," he said.
"They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer."
Clarke concluded his message by thanking supporters and offering encouragement to whoever takes charge next: "Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."