Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland manager after his side crashed out of the World Cup 2026 at the group stage, bringing to an end a seven-year tenure the Scottish FA described as the most successful in the national team’s history.
The Scottish FA confirmed Clarke’s departure this evening, with the 60-year-old addressing supporters directly in an open letter that paid tribute to his players above all else.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell acknowledged the disappointment of the group stage exit while insisting Clarke’s legacy deserved to be celebrated. “While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge,” Maxwell said. “From starting as a pot four 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. We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.”
Clarke took over in 2019 and transformed Scotland from a nation that had missed out on major tournaments for two decades into one that qualified for successive European Championships before reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The search for his successor now begins.
