Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Steve Clarke has led Scotland to a first men's World Cup in 28 years
ByNick McPheatBBC Sport Scotland- Published28 May 2026, 11:34 BST
Head coach Steve Clarke has signed a new Scotland contract to cover the next two World Cups and the 2028 Euros.
The 62-year-old's future was in doubt despite following up back-to-back Euros qualifications by leading the nation to their first World Cup since 1998.
However, just over two weeks until Scotland kick off their tournament schedule against Haiti in Boston, Clarke has committed to another four years in charge.
"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," said Clarke, who took charge in 2019.
"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, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to make the country proud in the America this summer, it also gives us certainty knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term.
"It is a privilege to continue in this role."
Clarke also referenced the importance of "stability" and stressed Scotland must "evolve and make improvements" while increasing a "pipeline of talent".
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell added: "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."
Analysis: Gamble the Scottish FA had to take?
ByTom EnglishBBC Scotland's chief sports writerFinally, the contractual dance is over and we know Clarke is staying, not for two more years until the next Euros but for a whopping four until the next World Cup.
The Scottish FA are lumping all their chips on Scotland having a good World Cup. If they do, then four more years of Clarke will feel like the most sensible decision.
If they fail, then we're going to return to the post-Euros rancour of 2024 when many supporters wanted a change. The Scottish FA will come under heavy fire for committing to another four years of Clarke if things go pear-shaped in America.
Some would argue that the wise move would have been to hold off until after the World Cup but, clearly, the Scottish FA felt they couldn't do that.
Having slowly altered his view from not likely to stay, to wanting to stay, Clarke would have been pushing them for a decision pre-tournament.
Importantly, his players have made it known how much they enjoy working with him. Why ignore the views of the Scott McTominays and the John McGinns in the hope of landing somebody better than Clarke? That would have been an almost reckless gamble.
There's not exactly a surfeit of available and convincing candidates and Clarke is a proven operator who has become a serial qualifier for major tournaments. In the end, the decision was probably a relatively straightforward one.
What are the fans saying?
Lewis: With so many players on 50+ caps and around 30 years old, there will likely be a swathe of retirements in the next few years. It's better Clarke handles this rather than throwing in a newbie to start from scratch. In Clarkey we trust!
Paul: Continuing with a manager who refuses to play players that are playing well over his pals who aren't playing well seems daft to me. We'll come out of this tournament with no points and no goals like we always do. Utterly negative manager and one result against Denmark doesn't hide it.
D: I think it was fairly evident that while its not been pretty to watch at times, Steve has done a remarkable job and there is no other real candidates to take over for now. Hopefully after the world he will start to replace some of the aging stars he has been loyal with and start playing more hungry vibrant younger players in time for the next Euros campaign.
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