Scotland head coach Steve Clarke 'truly honoured' to extend deal through to 2030 World Cup

Clarke ended Scotland's 22-year wait for major tournament football by qualifying for Euro 2020 before reaching a second consecutive European Championship at Euro 2024.

He then led the Scots back to the World Cup for the first time since France '98 for this summer's tournament, where they face Morocco, Brazil and Haiti in Group C.

In signing on for another four years, it means that Clarke will also be in charge of Scotland during Euro 2028, for which the UK and Ireland are hosts.

The announcement comes just two weeks before the 2026 World Cup gets underway, with Scotland facing Curacao this Saturday lunchtime in their final friendly before heading to the USA, Mexico and Canada.

They begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on June 14, face Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24.

Clarke said: "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.  

”I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group in qualifying for back-to-back Euros and equally sure the whole nation rejoiced in our qualification for World Cup 2026 after such a long time.

”It’s very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and 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, and it is a privilege to continue in this role. 

”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. 

”For now, it’s all about preparing for the World Cup, starting against Curacao this weekend.”

Only Craig Brown, who managed Scotland between 1993 and 2002, has a better winning record after 70 matches than Clarke, while no head coach has won as many games as his 33.

It is hardly a surprise then that those higher up in the Scottish FA wanted to get Clarke signed on before this summer's tournament.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, said: ”On behalf of the board I am delighted that we have agreed with Steve to continue as men’s head coach.

"His record speaks for itself: three finals tournament qualifications out of four, including consecutive Euros finals and, of course, an imminent World Cup return after nearly three decades.

”Beyond that, he has built a squad that the nation has taken to its heart, making Barclays Hampden a fortress once again.

"During our discussions about the future we were all agreed that we cannot rest on our achievements or ever take qualification for granted.

”The passion and enthusiasm with which he discussed that road map emphasises that this will not simply be a continuation but a renewed purpose and focus over the next four years.”

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