The Scots will be led by a Belgian for the next two years.

Sebastien Pocognoli has been named the new head coach of the Scotland national football team, marking his debut in the role during the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. His first match will take place in Slovenia, with the teams set to face off at Stožice Stadium on September 26. This marks the beginning of a two-year contract for Pocognoli, who replaces Steve Clarke after the latter stepped down following Scotland's exit from the group stage of the World Cup in North America, Mexico, and Canada last year. Pocognoli, a 39-year-old Belgian, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. During his playing career, he represented clubs such as AZ Alkmaar, Standard Liège, and West Bromwich Albion. After retiring, he quickly transitioned into coaching, initially working with youth teams at Union Saint-Gilloise and Genk, as well as Belgium’s Under-21 squad. In 2024, he returned to Brussels to manage the senior team at Union Saint-Gilloise, leading them to their first Belgian league title in nearly 90 years. He was appointed manager of Monaco in October of the previous year but left the position in June. Steve Clarke, who had led Scotland since May 2019 and qualified the team for two European Championships, departed after the World Cup campaign, which saw Scotland suffer defeats against Brazil and Morocco and a narrow win over Haiti. The Scottish Football Association confirmed Pocognoli's appointment, stating that the former Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco coach would lead the team in the Nations League 2026/27 edition. The Nations League fixtures for Group B1 have been announced, with Scotland facing Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Switzerland. The first encounter between the two nations will be at Stožice Stadium in Slovenia on September 26, followed by a return match in Glasgow on October 6. Pocognoli expressed enthusiasm about taking on the challenge, noting the passion of Scottish fans, whom he experienced firsthand during his time as a player in Belgium in 2013. In preparation for the Nations League, Pocognoli emphasized the importance of focusing on training sessions and implementing plans for the competition. He stated that there was little time remaining until the first preparatory camp, and thus the focus would be on readiness for the Nations League and executing these plans on the field once the team reconvenes next month. Boštjan Cesar, who became Slovenia's head coach in January, will oversee the team's preparations for the upcoming matches against Scotland. Cesar, known for his extensive playing career and subsequent managerial roles, will be tasked with guiding Slovenia through the Nations League campaign alongside his new opponent, Pocognoli. The Nations League format involves teams competing in groups based on their UEFA rankings, with the top teams progressing to the final stages. For Slovenia, this represents an opportunity to test their capabilities against stronger opponents, including Scotland, North Macedonia, and Switzerland. The matches are scheduled to take place in early autumn, with the first game being a crucial test for both teams as they aim to secure favorable positions in their respective groups. Pocognoli's appointment signals a new era for Scottish football, with expectations high among fans and officials alike. His track record as a successful coach, particularly with Union Saint-Gilloise, suggests that he could bring stability and success to the Scottish team. Meanwhile, Slovenia, under Cesar's leadership, will look to make a strong impression in the Nations League, starting with their match against Scotland at Stožice Stadium.