The Scottish FA confirmed Clarke’s departure shortly after Scotland’s World Cup exit was made official.
Scotland finished third in Group C behind Brazil and Morocco, but their three points were not enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams for the knockout stage.
Clarke’s side had opened the tournament with a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti, but defeats to Morocco and Brazil left them relying on results elsewhere.
A 3-0 loss to Brazil proved especially damaging, leaving Scotland with a poor goal difference and little room for hope.
His resignation comes just weeks after he signed a contract extension that was expected to run until the 2030 World Cup campaign.
That made the timing even more surprising, but Clarke chose to step aside after Scotland’s tournament ended in disappointment.
Despite the painful exit, Clarke leaves with a strong legacy. Since taking charge in 2019, he guided Scotland to Euro 2020, Euro 2024, and their first men’s World Cup appearance in 28 years.
He is described as the country’s most successful national coach, while other reports noted that he restored belief and pride around the Scotland team.
For Scotland, the focus now turns to finding a successor capable of building on Clarke’s progress.
With Euro 2028 on the horizon and Scotland expected to play a major role as one of the host nations, the next appointment will be one of the Scottish FA’s most important decisions in years.