World Cup Manager Quits Minutes After Tournament Elimination Confirmed
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager following the team's failure to advance past the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, despite signing a new four-year contract just months prior.
- Scotland was eliminated after Croatia's win over Ghana confirmed they would not qualify as one of the best third-place teams, with Scotland's heavy 3-0 loss to Brazil being particularly damaging.
- Clarke expressed deep emotion in his resignation, praising his players and reflecting on leading Scotland to their first World Cup finals appearance in 28 years and overseeing 81 games as their longest-serving manager.
- Key players like Andy Robertson and John McGinn acknowledged critical mistakes during matches against top teams, highlighting the fine margins at the international level.
- Clarke’s departure follows a trend of World Cup managers leaving after disappointing campaigns, including Tunisia's Sabri Lamouchi and Uruguay's Marcelo Bielsa, both of whom were replaced or resigned after early exits.
