Scotland World Cup 2026 Clarke Stay

Scott McTominay believes Scotland can change their World Cup story under Steve Clarke and wants the head coach to stay in charge beyond this summer’s tournament. Reports suggest talks are advanced on a new contract until Euro 2028, and McTominay hopes an agreement is completed soon.

Clarke has made clear several times that resolving the situation before the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is a priority. McTominay feels that clarity would help Scotland focus fully on preparing for the group games, which begin on 13 June against Haiti.

Scotland return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998 after topping Group C ahead of Denmark. Clarke’s side then learned a demanding schedule, starting with Haiti on 13 June, followed by Morocco six days later, before facing five-time winners Brazil in the final group fixture.

Across Scotland’s previous eight World Cup appearances, the team have never progressed past the group phase. McTominay sees Clarke as the coach capable of ending that pattern, especially after guiding Scotland through a strong qualifying campaign where consistent performances against higher-ranked opponents built belief within the squad.

Since replacing Alex McLeish in 2019, Clarke has managed 76 internationals, with 33 wins, 16 draws and 27 defeats, giving a 43.4% win rate. While the numbers show steady progress, many view qualification for the 2026 World Cup as Clarke’s standout success, underlining Scotland’s improvement under the experienced 62-year-old.

Key elements of Clarke’s tenure with Scotland can be summarised below:

McTominay praised Clarke’s influence on and off the pitch, highlighting the environment created around the national team. Asked by BBC Scotland about the possibility of a new deal, McTominay said: "He is first and foremost a great man and, secondly, he's a great coach. He's helped us so much off the pitch as much as he has on it, as he gives us that freedom and allows the group camaraderie to be where it is without allowing it to go too far."

McTominay also stressed the importance of strong voices in the dressing room, pointing to key senior figures. He added that "Obviously, we have good professionals in the group, which is key, and our captain, Andy Robertson, and other senior players like John McGinn play a huge role in keeping the whole team together."

The Scotland camp has continued to connect with supporters as the World Cup approaches, with the national team emphasising unity and national pride through various media channels. That message was underlined in a social post shared ahead of the tournament.

Scotland World Cup ambitions shaped by Euro disappointments

Clarke already has experience at major finals, having led Scotland to the European Championships in both 2020 and 2024. On each occasion, the team exited at the group stage, which continues Scotland’s challenging record at tournaments but also gives the current squad lessons for this summer’s World Cup campaign.

At Euro 2024, Scotland finished bottom of Group A with one point from three matches. The team lost 5-1 to Germany in the opener, drew with Switzerland, then suffered a stoppage-time defeat to Hungary, which confirmed elimination and left many players, including McTominay, frustrated with the outcome.

McTominay scored Scotland’s only goal of that tournament and admitted the experience still weighs on the squad. Reflecting on Euro 2024, McTominay said: "Looking back, it doesn't sit well with me, the 29-year-old Napoli midfielder said. I still have that bit between my teeth where you want to try to change it this time round, and I'm sure everyone in that group has the same feeling as well. It's hugely important we approach it one game at a time and not look too far ahead."

Scotland World Cup hopes and McTominay’s club form

McTominay arrives at this World Cup after another strong season in Italy. The midfielder has completed a second full campaign with Napoli, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 44 matches in all competitions, helping the club finish second in Serie A behind Inter.

Since joining Napoli two years ago, McTominay has become one of the league’s most effective midfield scorers. Across that period, only four players have more top-flight goals than McTominay’s 22, and his displays in the club’s Scudetto-winning season earned the division’s Most Valuable Player award.

Some of McTominay’s recent club numbers are outlined below:

Despite those achievements, McTominay pointed to the importance of major tournaments for any player’s career. The midfielder said: "The pinnacle of football is playing at a World Cup and the Champions League. That's where every young boy dreams of playing football, and that's where I want to play football. For me, it is about not getting too carried away and doing all the things that allowed you to compete at this level, which is relentless work in the gym and training to the best of your abilities in every training session."

With Scotland preparing for group matches against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil, Clarke’s future is expected to be resolved before the squad arrive in North America. McTominay’s form with Napoli, combined with Clarke’s established structure and the leadership of players such as Andy Robertson and John McGinn, gives Scotland measured optimism before the World Cup begins in June.