Sebastien Pocognoli, a 39-year-old Belgian and former AS Monaco manager, has been appointed head coach of Scotland’s men’s national football team on an initial two-year deal, the Scottish Football Association announced on August 16, 2026 [1, 2]. He replaces Steve Clarke, who stepped down after a seven-year spell in charge of the national team [1, 3, 2].
Pocognoli’s appointment comes just two months after he was sacked by AS Monaco in June 2026 following an eight-month tenure at the Ligue 1 club [3]. He will now lead Scotland in their upcoming Nations League campaign [1, 2].
The new coach enjoyed a playing career as a left-back with clubs including West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, and earned 13 caps for Belgium [3]. He is Scotland’s second foreign manager after German Berti Vogts, who led the team from 2002 to 2004 [1, 2].
Known for playing attractive, dominant football, Pocognoli plans to implement an aggressive, possession-based style with intense pressing on the Scottish squad [3]. Scottish FA chief football officer Craig Mulholland said Pocognoli "will bring an aggressive, front-foot style of play that will excite supporters" and help Scotland evolve "from a position of strength" [3].
Pocognoli also has prior youth coaching experience internationally with Belgium and at club academies including Union Saint-Gilloise and Genk, providing a foundation for his approach to developing talent [3].
Pocognoli said the opportunity excited him immediately, praising the passion of Scotland’s supporters and vowing to "do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success" of his predecessor [1].
The Scottish FA will observe Pocognoli’s initial two-year contract as he prepares the team for competitive fixtures in the Nations League and beyond [1, 2].
