Steve Clarke has signed a new contract with the Scotland national team until 2030.
Clarke took over as head coach in May 2019 and took the Tartan Army to Euro 2020 via the Nations League having beaten Serbia on penalties, but despite a 0-0 draw with England, defeats to Czech Republic and Croatia saw Scotland finish bottom of their group.
Clarke guided Scotland to a runner-up finish in their 2022 World Cup Qualifying group, but were denied a place in the 2022 Finals after a 3-1 home defeat to Ukraine.
Scotland were hugely impressive in qualifying for Euro 2024, beating Spain at home and Norway away, but the nature of their exit from the group stage, losing 5-1 to Germany in the tournament opener before losing 1-0 in their must-win clash with Hungary, prompted many fans to question Clarke's future as head coach.
Nevertheless, Clarke remained in charge and oversaw a dramatic 4-2 win at Hampden Park over Denmark to secure their place in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Clarke said: "I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men's World Cup in 28 years and I'm proud to continue as head coach.
"I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group in qualifying for back-to-back Euros and equally sure the whole nation rejoiced in our qualification for World Cup 2026 after such a long time.
"It's very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and make the country proud in America this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term and it is a privilege to continue in this role.
"Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as head coach. It's important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams.
"For now, it's all about preparing for the World Cup, starting against Curaçao this weekend."
