Scotland was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their exit at the group stage, marking their first appearance in 28 years [1, 2, 3]. They were drawn in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil [1, 4, 2, 3].
Scotland opened the tournament with a 1-0 win against Haiti on June 20 in Boston but then suffered defeats in their next two matches, losing 1-0 to Morocco on June 24 and 3-0 to Brazil on June 28 [1, 4, 2, 3]. These results left Scotland third in the group with 3 points and a negative goal difference of three [1, 2, 3].
The team's elimination was confirmed on June 28 after Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in Group L, which ensured Scotland would not finish among the top eight third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds [1, 2, 4, 5].
Following the official confirmation of Scotland's exit on the evening of June 28 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Steve Clarke resigned as head coach [4, 3, 6, 7]. Clarke, 62, had signed a new four-year contract with the Scottish Football Association (FA) just a month earlier on May 28, aiming to provide stability for the team [4, 8, 7]. He stated his resignation was planned if Scotland failed to progress, saying, "Signing the contract before [the World Cup] was a case of trying to give a little bit of comfort to the players knowing that we could continue the journey. I always had in my head that, if we didn't come out of the group [...], it was probably the right time to step away" [7].
Clarke led Scotland for seven years, during which the team qualified for Euro 2020, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup [4, 3, 6]. He said, "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. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer" [4].
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell praised Clarke's contribution, pointing to Scotland's rise from a pot four team in 2019 to topping their World Cup qualifying group. Maxwell said, "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" [4]. He added, "Nothing's off the table. We need to cast the net as far and wide as we can. It's about getting the right coach... The succession planning starts now" [5].
Core player Andy Robertson also paid tribute, saying, "Gaffer, it's a simple thank you. What you have done for our country will be remembered for years and years to come" [9]. Scotland's World Cup squad was noted as one of the oldest in the tournament, with many key players over 30 [10].
Scotland will next compete in the UEFA Nations League in autumn 2026, where the search for a new head coach will continue [5].
