Scotland's return to the men's World Cup after 28 years ended in crushing disappointment as head coach Steve Clarke resigned following defeats to Hungary and Brazil. The Tartan Army's emotional reunion with football's biggest stage concluded with players departing separately and questions lingering over what went wrong in America. Despite meticulous planning, Scotland failed to reach the knockout stages.

Clarke and the Scottish FA spared no expense in preparation, securing Inter Miami's $60m Florida Blue training centre and Charlotte's 52,000 square foot Atrium Health Performance Park. Players enjoyed extended camps, acclimatization periods, city-based accommodation, and even rounds at PGA National. Every request was granted, from family visits to branded merchandise, creating what should have been ideal conditions.

Yet the squad couldn't deliver when it mattered. Big moments saw big players go missing, despite the big treatment. Internal tensions emerged, with Scott McTominay and Jack Hendry involved in a heated exchange during the Morocco match. The disconnect between luxury preparation and poor performance left everyone searching for answers.

Before the Brazil loss, Opta still rated Scotland's chances at 42% to create history. Instead, Clarke's resignation marked the end of a campaign where everything went right off the pitch but nothing clicked on it. The players got what they wanted, but couldn't deliver what the nation needed.