Sebastien Pocognoli appointed Scotland head coach, becoming only the second foreign manager

Herz — Sport Desk · 17 August 2026 at 11:54 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What we know

Sebastien Pocognoli, a 39-year-old Belgian and former Belgium defender, is the new head coach of Scotland’s men’s national football team, according to the BBC. His appointment was confirmed on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

He was introduced to the media on Monday, August 17, alongside Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, and Craig Mulholland, its sporting director. The two SFA executives had travelled around the world to meet potential candidates.

Pocognoli is only the second foreign manager to take charge of Scotland’s men’s team, following Germany’s Berti Vogts.

Pocognoli’s coaching career

Before taking the Scotland job, Pocognoli had left Monaco at the end of the previous season. He had earlier managed Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, a Belgian club founded in 1897 and based in the Brussels-Capital Region, leading it to its first Belgian league title in 90 years during the 2024-25 season.

Steve Clarke’s seven-year tenure ends

Steve Clarke’s seven years in charge ended after Scotland were eliminated in the World Cup group stage. The team beat Haiti before losing to Morocco and Brazil.

Under Clarke, Scotland qualified for two consecutive European Championships and one World Cup. The SFA believes Pocognoli can raise the national team’s level further.

Why Pocognoli accepted the role

Scotland is a passionate country.

— Sebastien Pocognoli, press conference, August 17, 2026

Pocognoli also said that a human connection with Scottish football, alongside the sporting data, was a key factor in his decision to accept the position.