Overview
- Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigned after his side failed to qualify as one of the best third‑placed teams, a decision confirmed by the Scottish Football Association following Croatia’s win that sealed Scotland’s group‑stage exit on Saturday.
- South Korea coach Hong Myung‑bo also stepped down after his team’s group elimination and public criticism from the country’s president, leaving both nations to begin coach searches.
- Co‑host Canada reached the World Cup last 16 when captain Stephen Eustáquio scored a stoppage‑time winner against South Africa in the opening last‑32 match on Sunday.
- Reports say USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has been offered a reported four‑year extension that would cover the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup, but US Soccer has not publicly confirmed a deal and Pochettino has not committed.
- Tournament expansion to 48 teams has increased the number of qualification permutations and pressure on coaches, a change that has produced surprise qualifiers, historic first knockout wins for several countries, and swift managerial consequences for underperforming teams.