Steve Clarke has signed a new contract to lead Scotland to the 2030 World Cup.
Clarke’s previous deal was due to expire after this summer’s showpieces in the United States, Canada and Mexico – Scotland’s first international appearance since 1998 – but he will now oversee their bid to reach the European Championship in two years’ time and the next World Cup.
The length of the deal is a remarkable show of faith in Clarke, who took over in 2019 and could now become Scotland’s longest-serving manager in history.
He said: “I feel honored to lead my team to the first men’s World Cup in 28 years and I am proud to continue as a coach.
“I know that the Scottish fans appreciate what this team has achieved by qualifying for successive Euros and I am sure that the whole country is delighted to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after such a long time.
“It is very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, although my team will do everything they can to compete and make the country proud in America this summer, it also gives us confidence before the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those long-term foundations and it is an honor to continue in this role.
“Stability is the key to success in football and this has been the case over the past seven years as head coach. It is important that we develop and improve and I look forward to working with the new head of football, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior team through the use of new national teams.
“At the moment, it’s all about preparing for the World Cup, which will start in Curaçao this weekend.”
Scotland boss Clarke needs to find a winning formula in major tournaments
Clarke also led Scotland to the last two European Championships but they crashed both times, exiting the group stage after failing to win a match.
The 62-year-old player has been linked with Celtic, forcing the Scottish Football Association to arrest him early.
The SFA chief executive, Ian Maxwell, said: “On behalf of the board I am delighted that we have agreed Steve to continue as men’s coach. His record speaks for itself: qualifying for three finals out of four, including back-to-back Euro finals and, of course, the imminent return of the World Cup after almost three decades.
“Furthermore, he has built a team that the nation has put in his heart, which made Hampden even more unique. When we discussed the future, we all agreed that we will not rest on what we have achieved or take our lessons for granted.
“The passion and enthusiasm with which he discussed this road map emphasizes that this will not only be a continuation but a renewed purpose and focus for the next four years.”
