Scotland will host Japan at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow on March 28, 2026, for a friendly match as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5 PM. This will be Scotland’s first game since qualifying for the World Cup, marking a significant milestone as it is their first qualification since 1998.
Scotland’s last outing was a 4-2 victory over Denmark in November, showcasing their competitive form. However, they will be without their No. 1 goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
In his absence, Angus Gunn is expected to start in goal. The squad features players from various clubs, including Aston Villa and Napoli, highlighting the depth of talent available to coach Steve Clarke.
Findlay Curtis has received his first call-up to the Scotland squad, adding fresh talent to the team. Clarke emphasized the importance of both the match against Japan and an upcoming friendly against Ivory Coast, stating, “Both matches will be important in terms of preparation for the World Cup games.”
Prior to the match, Dumbarton FC hosted the Japan Football Association’s training camp, indicating a collaborative effort in the lead-up to the game. A representative from Dumbarton expressed their delight in hosting the training camp, stating, “We were delighted to host the Japan Football Association training camp this week, prior to their meeting with Scotland National Team at Hampden on Saturday.”
Scotland’s squad is gearing up for a challenging week, with two friendlies lined up. The match against Japan will serve as a crucial test before their opening World Cup game against Haiti on June 14, 2026.
As the date approaches, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how the team performs in this critical preparation phase.
