Steve Clarke resigns after Scotland’s World Cup group-stage exit

Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland head coach after Scotland were eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage. The Scottish FA confirmed his departure shortly after Croatia’s win over Ghana ended Scotland’s remaining route to the last 32.

Scotland’s tournament began with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston, but defeats by Morocco and Brazil left them relying on other results. Their outside chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams disappeared on Saturday.

Clarke leaves after seven years in charge, a period in which Scotland returned to major tournaments after a long absence and reached two European Championships before this World Cup. The disappointment for supporters is that those qualifications did not translate into a deeper run at the finals.

The timing adds to the significance of the decision: Clarke had agreed a new four-year contract only a month ago, and the source report says players were informed while the squad remained at their Charlotte base. The Scottish FA praised his wider contribution, but the immediate question now is how Scotland define the next phase after a landmark but uneven era.