There is a 75% chance Steve Clarke will leave after the World Cup

Scotland manager Steve Clarke says there is a 75 per cent chance he will leave his post after the 2026 World Cup.

Clark, 61, has led Scotland to two consecutive European Cups since taking over from Kilmarnock in 2019. Next, his short-term goal is to lead the team to beat Greece in the UEFA Nations League play-offs this month and retain the A-League qualification.

The bigger goal is to lead Scotland to the Men's World Cup for the first time since 1998. The team will face Greece, Belarus and either Portugal or Denmark in the World Cup qualifiers.

Clark's contract will expire after the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City and Canada. He admitted that he has not yet discussed contract renewal with the Scottish Football Association, but is currently inclined to leave after fulfilling his current contract.

Clarke said in an interview: "If you measure it by probability, it's about 75%, but this is not something I need to discuss with the top management of the Football Association now."

Although Scotland successfully qualified for the 2024 European Cup under Clark's leadership, the team lost to Ukraine in the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifying play-offs and missed the chance to qualify. Therefore, this World Cup qualifier will become a key node in Clark's coaching career.

Clark said: "I still have 10 key games this year, they will determine my future. I have decided to fulfill my contract. If we can play a great season, successfully qualify for the World Cup and perform well in the World Cup, maybe someone will convince me to stay."

"Whether I continue to coach Scotland or go elsewhere, my performance this year will determine my future. It is too early to talk about whether I will stay or go."

Asked if he would consider returning to coach the club, Clarke said: "I'm open to all possibilities."

"I'm enjoying my time coaching Scotland and will try my best to enjoy this year. As for what the future holds, we'll have to wait and see."