The Scottish FA has identified former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as their prime candidate to succeed Steve Clarke. The 39-year-old Belgian led Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years in the 2024-25 season. Pocognoli is among several individuals interviewed by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland. An appointment may be near, as Scotland prepares for a four-game Nations League stretch beginning in Slovenia on September 26.

Pocognoli had a playing career in England with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, earning 13 caps for Belgium. He would be the second foreign manager for the Scotland men's team, following German Berti Vogts. Steve Clarke resigned after Scotland's World Cup group-stage exit, concluding his seven-year term. Assistant coach Steven Naismith indicated he anticipates remaining with the national team under new leadership.