What happened?
Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana in the final Group C match ended Scotland’s hopes of reaching the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Moments after the final whistle, Steve Clarke announced his resignation as Scotland manager. Clarke had signed a four-year contract just a month earlier, but the loss to Croatia proved the final straw.
Clarke had led Scotland for seven years. At this World Cup, Scotland beat Haiti 1-0, then lost to Morocco by the same score, and finished with a 0-3 defeat to Brazil. In his farewell message, Clarke said the most emotional part of his departure was saying goodbye to the players he had worked with since 2019.
Why this matters for Croatia
Croatia’s victory secured third place in their group, keeping alive their chance to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best four third-placed teams. Croatia’s last result was a 2-1 loss to Portugal on 2 July 2026, and their recent form reads two losses in their last two games (LLWWL, 2 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses).
While Scotland were not direct rivals for Croatia in this phase, their elimination gave Croatia extra breathing room in the race for a top-four finish. Croatia currently sit fourth in the table, with their next fixture away to Czechia on 26 September 2026.
What’s next for Scotland
Steve Clarke’s resignation marks the end of an era for Scottish football. Clarke became Scotland’s longest-serving manager, and his departure raises questions over who will take charge in the next cycle.
Under Clarke, Scotland qualified for UEFA Euro 2024 and achieved several notable results in his seven-year tenure. His exit leaves a leadership void and a big question mark over Scotland’s next steps.
Reactions and context
Clarke used his farewell message to praise his players and the memories created since 2019. His words reflect the deep bond he built with the squad and the pain of leaving after the loss to Croatia.
Croatia, meanwhile, must reset quickly. With two straight defeats in their last five games, the team needs to turn the page and focus on the Czechia away trip on 26 September 2026.
