Sebastien Pocognoli identified as leading candidate to replace Scotland manager Steve Clarke

Sebastien Pocognoli has been named by the Scottish Football Association as their leading candidate to succeed Steve Clarke as Scotland manager, the association confirmed on 15 August 2026. The 39-year-old, who left Monaco at the end of last season, is understood to be among several candidates spoken to by SFA officials.

Pocognoli previously coached Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian league title in 2024-25, the club's first in 90 years, before taking the Monaco job. He departed Monaco at the end of last season, and earlier in his career he won the title in Belgium before moving to Monaco as head coach.

The SFA delegation that has held talks with Pocognoli included chief executive Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland, who was appointed as the association's chief football officer in May. Pocognoli is one of several candidates to have been approached and it is thought an appointment could be imminent.

Steve Clarke resigned after Scotland's group-stage exit at the World Cup, ending a seven-year spell in charge despite having signed a new four-year contract in May. Steven Naismith, who served as one of Clarke's assistants, said last month he expects to continue in the national team set-up under a new boss.

As a player Pocognoli spent time in England with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion and won 13 caps for Belgium. Were he to be appointed he would become only the second foreign manager of the Scotland men's team, following Berti Vogts.

An appointment is expected ahead of Scotland's return to action in the Nations League, which begins with a four-game block of fixtures starting in Slovenia on 26 September.