Highlights: Scotland Lose Final Group Match to Brazil
Scotland have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup following Croatia's 2-1 victory over Ghana, with manager Steve Clarke announcing his resignation shortly after the match.
The outcome in Group L means Scotland cannot qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Scotland confirmed Clarke's departure after seven years in charge soon after full-time.
This marks another group-stage exit for Scotland in a major tournament. The nation has participated in nine World Cups and four European Championships but has never advanced beyond the first phase.
Scotland began their first World Cup appearance in 28 years with a 1-0 win over Haiti, the lowest-ranked team in their group. However, tougher challenges awaited in Group C against two teams ranked in the world's top 10.
A 1-0 loss to Morocco was followed by Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami, leaving Scotland third in the group with three points and a goal difference of -3.
After the Brazil match, Clarke and several players acknowledged that progressing to the last 32 was unlikely. They then awaited results from other groups over several days to determine their fate.
Results such as Ecuador's comeback victory against Germany reduced Scotland's predicted chance of advancing to 5.26% with six of the 12 groups still undecided. Croatia's win ultimately confirmed Scotland's elimination.
World Cup Attacking Intent and Scottish Football Analysis
Questions have been raised about Scotland's offensive approach during the tournament and whether critiques from former England strikers about Scottish football's challenges hold merit.
Scotland, who participated in each of the last two European Championships, secured their place at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a dramatic victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in November.
Supported by tens of thousands of fans who traveled to the United States, John McGinn's deflected goal against Haiti marked Scotland's first World Cup win in 36 years.
That goal would remain Scotland's only score in the tournament.
They suffered a second-minute goal concession to 2022 semi-finalists Morocco in their second match, entering their final group game against Brazil aware that a draw would likely be sufficient to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, first-half defensive errors proved costly.
Scotland conceded early when defender Scott McKenna lost possession inside his own penalty area, allowing Vinicius Jr. to score the opener.
The Real Madrid forward was denied a second goal when the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled he fouled Jack Hendry before scoring past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Just before half-time, Scotland again lost the ball near their goal, and Vinicius Jr. headed in at the back post to make it 2-0.
Matheus Cunha extended Brazil's lead after the break, and despite a late surge, Scotland could not score to improve their goal difference.
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