Steve Clarke has signed a contract extension to remain Scotland's head coach through the 2030 men's World Cup, the Scottish Football Association announced on May 28, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The new deal covers the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 European Championship [4, 1, 2, 3].

Clarke, 62, has managed Scotland since 2019 and has led the team back to their first men's World Cup since 1998, as well as achieving back-to-back European Championship qualifications [4, 1, 2, 3]. "I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men's World Cup in 28 years and I'm proud to continue as head coach," Clarke said [4].

Initially considering stepping down after the 2026 tournament, Clarke decided to stay on longer after securing qualification [5, 3]. He said, "After the last Euros, it was obviously disappointing - a lot of people were clamouring to get me out of this position. I had a good think about it. I knew I had a group of players that could qualify for a World Cup and we decided, or I decided, that was the path I would take." [5]

Scotland will compete in Group C at the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, facing Haiti, Brazil, and Morocco [1, 2]. Clarke emphasized the importance of planning ahead. "It's very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to make the country proud in America this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term," he said [1].

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell praised Clarke's record and vision. "During our discussions about the future we were all agreed that we cannot rest on our achievements or ever take qualification for granted," Maxwell said [1].

Clarke stressed the value of stability and continuity. "Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as head coach. It’s important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams," Clarke added [3].

If Clarke completes the new contract term, he will become Scotland's longest-serving men's team manager [3].