In January, Scotland announced two friendlies at Hampden - Saturday's meeting with Japan, and against Curacao on 30 May - as warm-ups for the finals. So, when the Scots were also offered a friendly against Ivory Coast, from the same confederation as another of their Group C foes, Morocco, the final bit of their preparation jigsaw was in place. As for Ivory Coast, they had already arranged Saturday's match against South Korea at Stadium MK - ending in an impressive 4-0 victory. Playing their next match at Everton's new stadium - another 'home' game for the Africans - meant they and the Scots both only needed a few hours of driving. Scotland will also give Emerse Fae's side a taste of European opposition, given they have Germany in their World Cup group.

Source: BBC March 29, 2026 13:54 UTC