Steve Clarke believes Scotland’s long-awaited return to the men’s World Cup will ignite a new era of ambition among young footballers across the country. The national team ended a 27-year absence from the tournament after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark at a jubilant Hampden Park, a result that Clarke hopes becomes a pivotal moment for Scottish football.
Clarke described qualification as a catalyst for future generations, stressing that consistent involvement in major tournaments is essential for nurturing young talent. According to him, the long gap since 1998 stalled national football development, and this success offers the ideal platform to reverse that trend. He urged aspiring players to view the current squad as proof that representing Scotland at the highest level is achievable.
The manager also emphasised the rising difficulty of World Cup qualification. Despite the tournament’s expansion, securing a place remains more demanding than many perceive. Clarke highlighted the contrast between France ’98, when European teams made up nearly half of the 32-nation field, and the upcoming edition, where only a third of the expanded 48-team tournament will come from Europe. This, he said, makes Scotland’s achievement all the more significant.
Clarke’s personal journey added an emotional layer to the occasion. Despite a successful club career, he narrowly missed out on World Cup squads in both 1990 and 1998. Those experiences shaped his message to the players before the Denmark match. Captain Andy Robertson revealed that Clarke’s pre-game speech was deeply moving, giving the squad extra motivation to deliver a performance worthy of their manager’s long-held dream.
For Clarke, this qualification represents the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. Missing out in previous decades left him with a feeling of unfinished business, especially after Scotland’s painful playoff loss to Ukraine in their last attempt. Remaining in the role, he said, stemmed from his belief in the current squad’s ability to achieve something historic—and they proved him right.
With his contract set to expire after the World Cup, Clarke has yet to make a firm decision on his future. He acknowledged he is leaning toward stepping aside but insists he is focused solely on the team’s journey rather than his own plans. For now, his hope is simple: that Scotland’s success becomes the spark that inspires the nation’s next wave of football stars.
