Scotland hires Sebastien Pocognoli as new head coach
6 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 8:20 AM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Scotland has appointed Sebastien Pocognoli as its head coach, signing a two-year contract. Pocognoli replaces Steve Clarke, who departed following Scotland's World Cup exit after finishing third in their group. The 39-year-old coached Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian league title last year before leaving AS Monaco in June. This marks Pocognoli's first senior international coaching role, having previously managed youth teams in Belgium.
- •Sebastien Pocognoli replaces Steve Clarke as head coach.
- •Pocognoli signed a two-year contract with Scotland.
- •He led Union Saint-Gilloise to a league title in 2025.
- •Clarke resigned after a disappointing World Cup performance.
- •This is Pocognoli's first senior international position.
- 8:20 AMYahoo Sports — Fresh faces, fresh style? What Scotland fans want from Pocognoli
- 8:41 PMYahoo Sports — What awaits new Scotland head coach Pocognoli?
- 8:25 PMBBC Sport — What awaits new Scotland head coach Pocognoli?
"Just hope it works out for us all, but this is Scotland and anything is possible! Derek: I just hope that Pocognoli takes a fresh look at the players available and doesn't just pick the same old faces that have failed miserably during Steve Clarke's time as head coach. Neil: Hopefully he helps the team progress and achieves Euro 2028 qualification.
"Shifting the playing style, maintaining qualification for major tournaments and refreshing the squad await the new Scotland boss.
"Shifting the playing style, maintaining qualification for major tournaments and refreshing the squad await the new Scotland boss.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 8:20 AMFresh faces, fresh style? What Scotland fans want from Pocognoli
Just hope it works out for us all, but this is Scotland and anything is possible! Derek: I just hope that Pocognoli takes a fresh look at the players available and doesn't just pick the same old faces that have failed miserably during Steve Clarke's time as head coach. Neil: Hopefully he helps the team progress and achieves Euro 2028 qualification.
- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 8:41 PMWhat awaits new Scotland head coach Pocognoli?
Shifting the playing style, maintaining qualification for major tournaments and refreshing the squad await the new Scotland boss.
- BBC SportAug 16, 2026, 8:25 PMWhat awaits new Scotland head coach Pocognoli?
Shifting the playing style, maintaining qualification for major tournaments and refreshing the squad await the new Scotland boss.
- Sky Sports Football—Scotland appoint Pocognoli as head coach
Scotland have appointed Sebastien Pocognoli as their new head coach.
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