GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Scotland coach Steve Clarke has signed a new contract before the World Cup that could extend his tenure to a record 11 years.

Clarke’s new four-year deal was finalized on Thursday and runs through the 2030 World Cup and includes the 2028 European Championship that Scotland will co-host with England, Wales and Ireland.

“I am truly honored to lead my squad into our first men’s World Cup in 28 years and I’m proud to continue as head coach,” Clarke said in a statement from the Scottish Football Association.

The World Cup next month when Scotland will play in a group with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti was widely expected until recent weeks to be the 62-year-old Clarke’s farewell.

Qualifying for the World Cup last November — sealed by a hugely emotional 4-2 win over Denmark in Glasgow — restored Clarke’s popularity with fans after the team underperformed at Euro 2024.

The former Chelsea defender hired in 2019 is already Scotland’s most successful ever coach by qualifying for three major tournaments.

Scotland’s longest-serving coach is currently Craig Brown whose eight years in the job until 2001 included taking the Tartan Army to the 1998 World Cup.

In eight previous appearances at the World Cup, Scotland has never advanced from the group stage.

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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup