Scottish FA set to appoint Pocognoli as new national team coach

Belgian coach Sebastien Pocognoli has emerged as the frontrunner to become the new manager of the Scotland men's national football team following the resignation of Steve Clarke. The Scottish FA is reportedly set to appoint the 39-year-old as Clarke's successor, with an announcement expected as early as August 18.

Clarke, 62, brought his seven-year tenure to an end after Scotland exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the group stage. The team began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti but suffered subsequent defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with a 3-0 loss to the latter sealing their elimination. In a statement, Clarke expressed his gratitude to his players and staff, saying it was an honour to manage them. He noted that he believed he had taken the national team as far as he could. Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell praised the progress made under Clarke, highlighting the team's rise from a lower-ranked side to World Cup qualification, despite the difficult tournament result.

Pocognoli is now the Scottish FA's leading candidate to lead Scotland into the upcoming Nations League campaign and the bid for Euro 2028. The Belgian would become the first overseas coach of the...