The Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced the appointment of Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland Men’s National Team Head Coach.
The 39-year-old Belgian has signed an initial two-year contract and will lead Scotland into the forthcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.
“Sébastien is widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest emerging coaching talents,” said the SFA.
“In his first season as a senior Head Coach, he won the Belgian Pro League with Union Saint-Gilloise – their first title in 90 years – took the club into the UEFA Champions League Group Stages for the first time in their history, and also won the Belgian Super Cup.
“After being named Belgian Coach of the Year he was appointed Head Coach of AS Monaco in 2025.
“Capped 13 times by Belgium, the former left-back played for Genk, AZ Alkmaar – where he won the Eredivisie under Louis van Gaal – Standard Liège, Hannover 96, West Bromwich Albion, Brighton & Hove Albion and USG.
“After hanging up his boots in 2021, he began his coaching journey, with USG’s Under-21s, Genk Under-18s and Belgian Under-18s.”
Pocognoli said: “It’s an honour to be asked to become the Head Coach of the Scotland National Team.
“When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity. Scotland’s supporters are famous for their passion – most recently at the World Cup in the USA – and I have experienced it myself as a player for Belgium when we played in 2013.
“Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor.
“Since negotiations began, I have been doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions and looking at areas that we can build on. I am hugely excited by the prospect and look forward to working with the players to achieve even more success.
“We don’t have long until the first camp, so the coming weeks will be spent preparing for the UEFA Nations League and putting those plans into action on the training pitch when we meet up next month.”
Scottish FA CEO Ian Maxwell said: “We are delighted to have Sébastien on board.
“He was the standout candidate from a thorough process: a very impressive individual, with a real desire to take on the role and a clear vision for how he wants to go about it.
“Sébastien inherits a talented squad who just took us to a first FIFA World Cup in 28 years, and I’d like to reiterate my thanks to Steve Clarke and his staff for their work and the foundations they’ve put in place.
“I’m excited to see how we build on that ahead of a new UEFA Nations League campaign.”
Craig Mulholland, Scottish FA Chief Football Officer: “Sébastien’s appointment is an exciting moment for Scottish football. He is one of Europe’s brightest and most sought-after coaches.
“He will bring an aggressive, front-foot style of play that will excite supporters. He will now build on the outstanding work and excellent foundations left by Steve Clarke and his staff.
“While our extensive search was informed by data and insight – and Sébastien’s metrics matched what we believe necessary to enhance and evolve from a position of strength – it’s as important to us that his personality and character will allow him to connect with a fantastic group of players.
“I am delighted we have secured a talent like Sébastien and I look forward to this exciting journey ahead – starting next month.”
Confirmation of Pocognoli ’s backroom staff will follow in due course.