Steve Clarke resigns as Scotland head coach after elimination from World Cup 2026

<ul><li><p>Clarke goes weeks after signing new four-year contract</p></li><li><p>‘Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor’</p></li></ul><p>Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland’s head coach, with the decision announced within an hour of confirmation the country had been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/28/scotland-eliminated-from-world-cup">eliminated from the World Cup</a>. Clarke, who had been in post since 2019, signed a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/28/steve-clarke-scotland-coach-new-contract-2030">four-year contract extension</a> shortly before the tournament. The manner of Scotland’s exit has led to a sharp rethink from the 62-year-old.</p><p>History will treat Clarke very favourably as a Scotland manager. After an absence from major tournaments stretching back to 1998, the team reached the 2021 and 2024 European Championships under him. This World Cup was a first for Scotland in 28 years.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/28/steve-clarke-resigns-scotland-manager-after-elimination-from-world-cup-2026">Continue reading...</a>