Scotland commence their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a friendly against Japan.
This friendly marks the first chance of 2026 for both Scotland and Japan to prepare for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Team News
Scotland have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad in contention, as Findlay Curtis seeks a maiden senior cap on his first international call-up.
Japan will be without defenders, Tomoya Ando and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to respective adductor and hamstring injuries.
When is Kick-Off?
Scotland host Japan at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on Saturday 28 March at 5:00pm GMT, live on BBC One Scotland, BBC Two (in England, Northern Ireland and Wales) and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Scotland have never beat Japan in three previous meetings across all competitions (D2, L1).
- Japan are making their first visit to Scotland in all competitions.
- Scotland are yet to score against Japan; having drawn 0-0 in their first two meetings then lost 2-0 in October 2009.
- Scotland have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches (W3, L1).
- Japan are unbeaten in their last six meetings against European opposition in all competitions excluding penalty shootouts (W5, D1).
Prediction
Having produced an energetic performance in their epic win over Denmark back in November to avoid the Qualifying Play-Offs, Scotland now have a chance to make this friendly window count by putting together a strong performance because this is a chance for fringe players to stake a claim for a World Cup spot.
Japan though are no pushovers against European opposition and given their goalscoring form last year with just four blanks, I expect them to give Scotland a strong fight especially if they deploy their usual quick passing play which will test Scotland’s defence.
Although I do expect goals here, I just feel that Japan could nick this given their stronger quality and defensive play.
Prediction: Scotland 1-2 Japan
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