Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sportSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy NICK FORBES Published: 19:09 BST, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 19:09 BST, 28 June 2026
The King has offered his ‘sincere commiserations’ to Scotland after they were knocked out the World Cup – and urged fans to now consider supporting England.With just one group win, against Haiti, the Scots failed to secure a place in the last 32 of the tournament.Their fate was confirmed on Saturday night after Croatia’s 2-1 win against Ghana. Head coach Steve Clarke then announced his immediate resignation.In a statement on social media, Charles paid tribute to the ‘joy’ the team had brought to the nation. The message read: ‘To the players, outgoing manager and support staff, I would like to offer you my sincere commiserations on exiting the World Cup.‘While I know what a huge disappointment this will be – just as it is for New Zealand, who didn’t make it through and have my similar sympathies – I hope you may be able to return home with proud hearts for the joy you have given to so many in having qualified for the first time in over 25 years.’ King Charles attended the opening of the Scottish parliament on Saturday in Edinburgh Scotland's exit from the World Cup was confirmed in the early hours of Sunday morningAnd the King then asked fans to perhaps switch their allegiance to England for the rest of the event.He said: ‘I fear that traditional sporting rivalries mean it may be too much to hope that the devoted Tartan Army of yours will now cheer with full voice for the three other realms still in contention, but my wife and I nonetheless wish England, Australia and Canada the very best of luck for the battles ahead.’The message ended with Charles’s signature above a Saltire. Meanwhile, departing boss Clarke also posted a message on social media. The three-page letter, entitled Bye-Bye Scotland, said: ‘As I reflect on my seven years in the job my overriding emotion is pride.‘The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players. They deserve all the praise they receive and it was an honour to be called their gaffer. 'Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.’The First Minister said he was ‘sorry’ to see Clarke go after he led the national side to three out of the last four tournaments.John Swinney added: ‘He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of. I wish him well.’
