Scotland fell to a spirited defeat to the Ivory Coast in their final friendly before Steve Clarke decides his squad for the summer’s World Cup.
The hosts started brightly at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium but they found themselves behind after 12 minutes as Elye Wahi’s low effort bounced back into the path of Nicolas Pepe, who tapped in from close range.
It was the headline moment of a frantic first half that yielded few clear-cut chances, with Scott McTominay testing Alban Lafont and the visitors looking a threat on the counter before the break.
Scotland came out fighting in the second half but while they put plenty of attacking pressure on the visitors, they were unable to make it click in attack.
Several chances broke down in the final third as the hosts hunted an equaliser, but in the end they were left to rue a lack of attacking quality as they fell to yet another friendly defeat in the final match before World Cup preparations begin in earnest.
Follow all the reaction below:
Scotland v Ivory Coast LIVE: Latest score and updates
- Scotland fall to defeat against Ivory Coast in pre-World Cup friendly
- 12' GOAL! Pepe taps in after counter-attack [SCO 0-1 CIV]
- Steve Clarke will submit final list for World Cup squad on 30 May
- Scotland are next in action on 30 May against Curacao at Hampden
Scotland’s potential route to 2026 World Cup final after draw revealed
00:00 , Chris WilsonScotland have been drawn in Group C at the tournament
Scotland latest: Clarke responds to ‘disappointing’ boos after pre-World Cup defeat
Looking ahead: Only two games left before the World Cup!
23:00 , Chris WilsonThe World Cup begins on June 11 but before that, Scotland have one scheduled warm-up game: against Curacao on 30 May at Hampden Park.
There will also likely be a warm-up game on US soil closer to the opening game, with that match pitting them against South American minnows Bolivia.
The final squad lists reportedly need to be submitted on 30 May for all teams in the tournament.
Scotland’s fixtures will be as follows:
13 June: Scotland vs Haiti – 9pm ET/2am BST on 14 June
19 June: Scotland vs Morocco – 6pm ET/11pm BST
24 June: Scotland vs Brazil – 6pm ET/11pm BST
ICYMI: Roberson becomes second most capped Scotland Men’s player
22:45 , Chris WilsonScotland captain Andy Robertson won his 92nd cap tonight, taking him to second in the list of his country’s all-time appearances!
Moving 🆙
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 31, 2026
Andy Robertson is now the second most capped Scotland Men’s player of all-time.#CIVSCO pic.twitter.com/CdUIKnJezM
Clarke: 'Some things were good, some things bad'
22:35 , Chris Wilson"Disappointed to lose again. Like always with friendlies, some things were good, some things bad,” says Scotland boss Steve Clarke.
"I thought we started the game really well. We got caught on the counter attack. We didn't react well to losing the goal. First half became a bit of a struggle.
"Second half, I thought we were excellent, we dominated the ball and asked them to defend. To be fair to Ivory Coast they defended very well,” he explained.
"Sometimes you're hoping the ball will fall for you and it didn't fall for us tonight, but you have to make it fall for you. That's the little bit we need to get better at.”
On his final squad selection, Clarke adds: "Still plenty of things can happen. I won't get too carried away. Going into previous tournaments I've lost players to injury."
Scotland to face Bolivia in final World Cup warm-up game
22:23 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke has just revealed that Scotland will also face Bolivia in a warm-up match for the World Cup.
That match will be played in the USA, though the date is yet to be confirmed.
FULL-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
22:19 , Chris Wilson
World Cup qualifying results
22:13 , Chris WilsonWe now know two more of the sides that will be part of the World Cup this summer, as Sweden beat Poland 3-2 and Turkiye edged past Kosovo to book their places at the summer tournament.
Italy are still in action against Bosnia, while Czechia lead Denmark in extra-time in those ties.
'It was a tough game'
22:08 , Chris Wilson"It was a tough game. We started on the front foot and were causing them issues, but we committed too many bodies forward and we got caught,” says Scotland striker George Hirst.
"We were a little bit sloppy at times, but second half we came out with a great mentality and got after them.
"All I can do is go out whenever I get an opportunity and play as well as I can. If I can keep doing that and doing it for Ipswich, it will stand me in good stead.
"I'm getting in the positions and on another day I would have come off with a couple of goals. Hopefully they start going in,” he added.
Next up: Scotland face minnows Curacao in May
22:00 , Chris WilsonScotland’s next friendly comes against Curacao on Saturday, 30 May at Hampden, on the same day that all teams have to submit their final squad lists for the World Cup.
Scotland will also likely play a warm-up game on US soil ahead of the tournament getting underway, though this is yet to be finalised.
Robertson: 'The manager is trying both systems'
21:52 , Chris Wilson"We changed the system and made nine changes. The manager is trying both systems,” said Andy Robertsonat full-time.
"We caused them problems - last 20 minutes we were the team pushing forwards. It's one of those games.
"We want to win these games, but we're also trying stuff.
"We get caught on the counter for the goal, which can't really happen.
"It's up to us now to go back to our clubs and be really excited for the summer,” added the Scotland captain as he finished.
Nicolas Pepe’s goal for Ivory Coast inflicts another defeat on Scotland
21:43 , Chris WilsonA much-changed Scotland suffered another friendly defeat with the 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast offering manager Steve Clarke few solutions to their creativity problems as he prepares for the nation’s first World Cup since 1998.
This was the Scots’ eighth reverse in the last 11 non-competitive matches and after conceding an early goal they struggled to really test opponents who did not concede a goal or lose a game in qualifying for this summer’s tournament.
The team were criticised for their flat performance in Saturday’s defeat to Japan but pre-match midfielder John McGinn stressed they could not afford to take the game to better opponents as they would be picked off.
Nicolas Pepe’s goal for Ivory Coast inflicts another defeat on Scotland
FULL-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:38 , Chris Wilson“Not a great performance against Japan. A better performance tonight as we try to build momentum towards the World Cup,” says former Scotland forward James McFadden on BBC after full-time.
He’s right. It wasn’t a bad performance at all but the lack of cohesion in the final third will definitely worry Steve Clarke.
FULL-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:35 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:27 , Chris WilsonThe referee blow the final whistle and it’s another defeat for Scotland.
The hosts played well at times once again but it’s defeat again for Steve Clarke’s side, though they’ve learned plenty about themselves during this international break.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:26 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
The chance goes begging as Robertson’s next cross is into the gloves of the ‘keeper. That should be it.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:25 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
CLOSE! Robertson hangs up a cross to the back post but Toure is there to head out for a corner!
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:25 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
One last chance for Scotland? They’ve got the ball in the final third...
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:24 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
OFF THE POST! Almost a superb goal from Adingra, who gets it out of his feet in the ‘D’ and curls a brilliant shot that cannons off the post!
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:23 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time. Can Scotland carve out another chance?
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:22 , Chris Wilson89 mins
SAVE! What a save this is from Bain!
Amad almost wraps up the game after skipping past three Scotland players and driving into the box before lashing a low effort goalwards, but Bain gets a strong hand to it to tip it narrowly past the post!
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:20 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Home fans want a penalty as Conway goes down in the box, but it’s waved away for now!
VAR ruled it out pretty quickly too.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:18 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Clever play from McGinn to draw the defender before sliding the pass through, and the shot is deflected behind, though Robertson can’t find a teammate with his cross.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:16 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Roars from the home fans as it’s slipped through to Conway on the left and he tries to cut it back for Dykes, but it’s intercepted.
Scotland come again but Tierney’s cross is cleared for now.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:15 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Scotland win a soft free-kick from a similar position to the one moments ago. The ball is clipped in again and a header drops narrowly wide of the far post, but the flag is up.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:11 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Conway is clipped by Inao right on the right-hand edge of the area, and this could be Scotland’s most dangerous free-kick yet.
Robertson delivers the cross but it’s headed behind by Singo, and Lafont claims the corner.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:09 , Chris Wilson77 mins
That’s Hirst’s last action, as he comes off for Lyndon Dykes. Adams also makes way for Tommy Conway.
For the visitors, Evann Guessand comes on for Wahi.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:08 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Almost a remarkable own goal as Robertson swings in a cross towards Hirst but Traore crashes a header over his own bar! Almost looked like he wanted to score.
From the corner, the ball falls to Hirst but he lashes at it and it’s blasted wide.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:06 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Scotland have been far better in this second half but they still haven’t created the chances to show it.
At the other end, Adingra curls high and wide, as the Ivory Coast just start to gain a bit of rhythm in Liverpool.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:04 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Brilliant defending from Patterson as he slides in to prevent the through ball into the box.
The visitors had countered from the Scotland corner and it was 3-v-2 in attack, but the ful-back timed his challenge perfectly.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:03 , Chris Wilson71 mins
It’s Robertson to deliver a free-kick from the left – Ferguson is there to divert it towards goal but it comes off an Ivory Coast defender for a corner.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
21:02 , Chris Wilson69 mins
A vital block from Scotland to prevent the shot, and some pressure at the other end pays off as it’s hit out of play.
The visitors make two changes as Pepe and Traore come off for Amad and Simon Adingra, while Scotland bring on John McGinn and Kenny McLean for Gilmour and Christie.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:59 , Chris Wilson66 mins
A slick counter from the visitors ends with a shooting chance, but it’s blocked well in the area and deflects behind.
From the set-piece, Doue gets free in the area but heads over from six yards! Another let-off for Scotland.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:56 , Chris Wilson63 mins
A brief sight of goal from Hirst as he intercepts a throw-in before driving towards goal. He’s in a central area as he lines up the shot, but it flies wide.
Ferguson is furious he didn’t get the pass out wide, but Scotland are playing far better than they were in the first half.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:55 , Chris Wilson61 mins
Scotland make a change as Nathan Patterson is on for McCrorie.
Changes for the Ivory Coast too, as Dioamande and Konan come off for Doue and Agbadou.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:52 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Scotland are just starting to turn the screw with some attacking pressure.
Robertson clips in a cross and Adams’ header is too close to the ‘keeper.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:50 , Chris Wilson57 mins
A decent opening for Hirst as the ball is swung in from the right, but he gets a little too high and powers it over.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:46 , Chris Wilson54 mins
A brilliant block from Souttar, who slides in just in front of his ’keeper to prevent Wahi knocking in from close range!
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:46 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Almost an opening for the hosts as a header from the corner goes backwards towards the goal. A Scotland shirt is inches away from getting there first to tap in, but Lafont was off his line well.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:44 , Chris Wilson50 mins
A free-kick in a dangerous area for Scotland as Christie is brought down.
It’s swung in from the right and it’s headed behind for a corner.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:40 , Chris Wilson47 mins
More groans from home fans as a promising Scotland attack is brought back for a foul from Hirst. That was harsh.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:38 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Liverpool!
Scotland have made two changes, with McTominay and Kelly off for Lewis Ferguson and goalkeeper Scott Bain.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:32 , Chris WilsonNot a bad first-half performance from Scotland by any means, though they find themselves trailing once again.
There’s space to create, but they just need it to click in the final third.
Plenty to play for at the Hill Dickinson Stadium!
'The execution isn't quite there'
20:27 , Chris Wilson“Scotland are being put under pressure and sometimes that forces mistakes,” says former Scotland forward James McFadden.
“Their execution isn't quite there,” he added, in a statement that summed up that first half nicely.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:24 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:19 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and Scotland head into the break a goal down.
It’s not been as lacklustre as the game against Japan, but once again Scotland have paid for a lack of quality in attack.
Plenty to play for in the second half though, and the hosts will be confident of grabbing a result given certain aspects of their first-half display.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:18 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of added time in Liverpool as another Scotland attack breaks down, this one near halfway.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:16 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A little bit stop-start as we come towards the end of the half, with both sides giving it away cheaply.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:14 , Chris Wilson41 mins
A bit of a let-off for Scotland as a quick Ivory Coast counter ends with the squred pass just a little too far ahead of Traore.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:12 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Much better from the hosts, with Robertson latching onto a great through ball down the left before fizzing in a cross that Diomande does well to clear at the front post.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:10 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Audible groans around the stadium as a couple of Scotland attacks break down, before more groans as play is stopped after Gilmour’s full-blooded challenge on Inao Oulai.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:07 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Yet another chance breaks down in the box for Scotland, with Adams guilty this time.
The hosts’ attacking has been better than against Japan, but it’s still lacking the key quality when it matters most.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:03 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Scotland need something to ignite this evening for them and they almost get it as a long-range effort from McTominay forces a good diving save from Lafont.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:03 , Chris Wilson30 mins
CLOSE! Almost a tap in of sorts for the visitors as a corner causes pinball in the Scotland box and it ends up getting poked at Kelly from six yards!
A bit of a let-off for the hosts.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
20:01 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Just a slight lack of quality in the final third that’a punishing Scotland at the moment, as it so often does.
A couple of promising moves have broken down at the last over the last couple of minutes, with Gilmour and now Christie the guilty parties.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
19:58 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Some effort from debutant Wahi, who lines up a shot from over 25 yards that kisses the top of the net as it whizzes over.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
19:57 , Chris Wilson25 mins
A clever run from Christie into the box and McCrorie alost finds him with the diagonal through ball, but he put too much on it.
Christie has looked bright so far, as have Hirst and Gilmour.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
19:55 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Kessie seems okay to carry on, and we’re back underway.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
19:53 , Chris Wilson21 mins
A break in play here as Kessie goes down off the ball.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
19:51 , Chris Wilson18 mins
The visitors are starting to look quite dangerous whenever they go forward, while Scotland sometimes look a little ragged at the back.
The Ivory Coast have begun to dominate possession and the hosts are chasing shadows at the moment.
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
19:49 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Scotland look to hit back almost immediately, but again an attack breaks down in the final third.
The visitors go up the other end and Pepe’s curled effort is deflected for a corner.
GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast (Pepe, 12')
19:46 , Chris Wilson12 mins
GOAL! They’ve been on top in the last few minutes and the visitors have the lead now!
It all comes from a swift counter, with Nicolas Pepe feeding Wahi in the area. The striker drags a shot across goal and it bounces back off the inside of the post and back into the path of Pepe, who simply has to tap in from a couple of yards!
Scotland 0-0 Ivory Coast
19:42 , Chris Wilson9 mins
The first sight of goal for the Ivory Coast.
One chance goes begging with a poor ball into the box, but moments later Nicolas Pepe sees a shot deflected behind from inside the area.
Scotland 0-0 Ivory Coast
19:39 , Chris Wilson6 mins
A mix-up for Scotland at the back almost lets the visitors into it, though the hosts go up the other end and Christie fires over.
Moments later, there’s another opening for McTominay after the Ivory Coast give the ball away near their own area, but the Napoli man fires harmlessly wide.
Scotland 0-0 Ivory Coast
19:36 , Chris Wilson4 mins
CHANCE!
Gilmour does well to win possession in midfield and it ends with a chance for Scotland, with Christie taking a chance from 20 yards and forcing a decent save before Tierney fires wide from distance.
Scotland 0-0 Ivory Coast
19:34 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Some high pressing from Scotland early on. Plenty of energy on show.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Ivory Coast
19:32 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in Liverpool as the final Scotland friendly of the season gets underway! The next time we see them in action, Steve Clarke will have decided his final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Scotland v Ivory Coast LIVE
19:31 , Chris Wilson“I need to look at some players - first start for Dom Hyam, I wanted to play two up front and with Kieran [Tierney] coming into the back three,” said Steve Clarke explaining his line-up.
"It's a system that qualified us for two major tournaments, we know we can play it. Dom plays in a back three and Ross [McCrorie] plays wing-back at Bristol City,” he added.
Scotland v Ivory Coast LIVE
19:26 , Chris WilsonThe players are emerging from the tunnel at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, so we should be underway soon after the anthems.
Scotland v Ivory Coast LIVE
19:23 , Chris WilsonA reminder that tonight’s match will be live on BBC Scotland as well as BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Scotland v Ivory Coast LIVE
19:20 , Chris Wilson
Looking ahead: Only three games left before the World Cup!
19:15 , Chris WilsonThe World Cup begins on June 11 but before that, Scotland have one scheduled warm-up game: against Curacao on 30 May at Hampden Park.
There will also likely be a warm-up game on US soil closer to the opening game, though the opponents and final details are yet to be confirmed.
The final squad lists reportedly need to be submitted on 30 May for all teams in the tournament.
Scotland’s fixtures will be as follows:
13 June: Scotland vs Haiti – 9pm ET/2am BST on 14 June
19 June: Scotland vs Morocco – 6pm ET/11pm BST
24 June: Scotland vs Brazil – 6pm ET/11pm BST
Clarke: 'The more you do, the more people expect of you'
19:10 , Chris Wilson“A big, difficult challenge" awaits against an Ivory Coast side that is "strong, direct, quick, good in attack and defence and were very clinical against South Korea,” according to Scotland boss Steve Clarke.
“I'm more interested in our record in competitive games and tournament record,” adds the Scotland boss when asked about the poor friendly record.
“The more you do, the more people expect of you, but I'd rather that than people not be bothered. If that level of expectation rises, that's fine - we can handle it,” he added.
Scotland vs Ivory Coast prediction
19:05 , Chris WilsonThe Ivory Cost come into this match in decent form after beating South Korea 4-0 at the weekend, and while Scotland showed flashes of promise against Japan at Hampden, this could be a difficult evening against a team full of skill and trickery.
You’d expect the likes of Yan Dioamande and Amad to cause the hosts problems, though Scotland should once again be able to show that they can at least contest with sides that are stronger on paper.
Prediction: Scotland 1-2 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast line-up
19:02 , Chris WilsonIvory Coast XI: Lafont, Diomande, Konan, Singo, Kossounou, Kessie, Traore, Wahi, Oulai, Toure, Pepe.
Subs: Y Fofana, Seri, S Fofana, Adingra, Akpa, Godo, Diallo, Kone, Doue, Sangare, Agbadou, N'Dicka, Guessand, Guiagon.
Players inspect the pitch at the Hill Dickinson
18:55 , Chris Wilson
Match stats
18:50 , Chris WilsonThe Ivory Coast have lost their last two matches against European nations, losing 2-1 vs France and 3-0 vs England in March 2022 friendlies.
Amad has been directly involved in seven goals in his last nine games for Côte d'Ivoire (4 goals, 3 assists), including six in his last six starts (4 goals, 2 assists). He came off the bench to assist his team’s fourth goal in their victory over Korea Republic last time out.
Robertson wins his 92nd cap
18:40 , Chris WilsonScotland captain Andy Robertson has won his 92nd international cap, taking him into second place for most appearances for Scotland.
Now, only Kenny Dalglish stands above him, on 102.
Scotland team news
18:35 , Chris WilsonThere have been nine changes to the starting XI from the side that lost 1-0 to Japan at the weekend, with Liam Kelly replacing Angus Gunn in goal.
In defence, Ross McCrorie, Dom Hyam, Kieran Tierney and John Souttar come in, while in midfield Billy Gilmour and Ryan Christie return to the starting line-up. In attack, Che Adams takes the place of Lyndon Dykes, while George Hirst also comes in after a decent cameo against Japan.
Scotland line-up
18:29 , Chris WilsonScotland XI: Kelly; McCrorie, Souttar, Hyam, Tierney, Robertson, Gilmour, Christie, McTominay, Adams, Hirst.
Subs: Gunn, Bain, Patterson, McGinn, Dykes, Hendry, Miller, Ferguson, Conway, Ralston, McLean, Irving, Curtis, McKenna.
🔢 Tonight's team news. #CIVSCO pic.twitter.com/L4iNeChjQt
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 31, 2026
Team news
18:25 , Chris WilsonLine-ups should be released at any point from the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early Scotland team news...
Steve Clarke confirmed following the defeat to Japan that there would be “six or seven changes” to his side. The likes of Ryan Christie and Billy Gilmour could start, while Che Adams, John Souttar and Grant Hanley didn’t feature, so they may be involved.
Clarke praised Tommy Conway, who made his first Scotland start at Hampden, while George Hirst and Findlay Curtis came off the bench and will be pushing for more involvement alongside Lennon Miller.
Ben Gannon-Doak, Lawrence Shankland and Craig Gordon were not fit enough to make the squad.
Head-to-head
18:20 , Chris WilsonScotland and the Ivory Coast have never previously faced in any competition.
The Scots have lost four of their previous seven matches against African nations (W2 D1), with this their first since a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in May 2014.
Why are Scotland playing Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium?
18:10 , Chris WilsonScotland step up their preparations for this summer’s World Cup by hosting Ivory Coast - but the international friendly will be staged in England and at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.
Steve Clarke’s team faced Japan at Hampden on Saturday but the Tartan Army will be heading down the road and away from their traditional home on Tuesday night as Everton’s new ground hosts its first men’s international fixture.
Officially, the fixture is part of marketing agency Pitch International’s ‘Road to 26’ series - which has featured a number of games between teams who have qualified for the World Cup, staged at neutral venues.
Why are Scotland playing Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Match stats
18:02 , Chris WilsonThis will be Scotland’s first game played on English soil without facing England since May 2014, when they drew 2-2 in a friendly with Nigeria at Craven Cottage.
The Ivory Coast have only lost two of their last 13 internationals (W8 D3), winning two of their last three by at least a three-goal margin (3-0 v Burkina Faso and 4-0 v Korea Republic). They have also kept nine clean sheets across these 13 games, conceding just seven times overall.
Scotland train at Hampden ahead of Ivory Coast fixture
17:55 , Chris Wilson
Scotland’s World Cup fixture dates
17:45 , Chris WilsonThe dates for Scotland’s World Cup group games will be as follows:
13 June: Scotland vs Haiti – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts.
19 June: Scotland vs Morocco – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
24 June: Scotland vs Brazil – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida.
Scotland’s World Cup 2026 fixtures: Confirmed dates, start times and venues
17:40 , Chris WilsonScotland have learned their group stage opponents for the World Cup 2026 as Steve Clarke’s men were given a tough draw.
Scotland sealed their first World Cup since 1998 in dramatic fashion when they scored two stoppage-time stunners to pip Denmark to top spot in their final qualifier, thereby earning automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament finals.
Having been placed in Pot 3, they will face a daunting test against Brazil from Pot 1 and Morocco, semi-finalists at the last World Cup, from Pot 2. They will also face Haiti from Pot 4, who are returning to a World Cup for the first time since 1976.
Scotland’s first World Cup outing in 28 years will be against that side, with the venue for the clash now confirmed as the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
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Scotland’s World Cup fixtures: Confirmed dates, kick-off and venues
Steve Clarke ‘disappointed’ as some Scotland fans boo team after Japan defeat
17:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from last week’s narrow loss to Scotland...
Steve Clarke revealed his surprise and disappointment after hearing some boos from the Tartan Army following Scotland's 1-0 defeat by Japan at Hampden in Glasgow.
The Scots were cheered off the pitch in November after a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark qualified them for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
However, their return to the national stadium for the first of their warm-up games for North America was more sedate.
Steve Clarke ‘disappointed’ as some Scotland fans boo team after Japan defeat
When is Scotland v Japan?
17:20 , Chris WilsonKick-off at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is at 7:30pm BST on Tuesday 31 March.
How can I watch it?
The match will be live on BBC Scotland as well as BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Scotland squad for games against Japan and Ivory Coast
17:15 , Chris WilsonGoalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (Sparta Prague), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Udinese)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich)
Possible Scotland line-up
17:10 , Chris WilsonPossible Scotland XI: Gunn; Patterson, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; McGinn, Gilmour, Ferguson, Christie; McTominay, Adams
What is the Scotland team news?
17:06 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke confirmed following the defeat to Japan that there would be “six or seven changes” to his side. The likes of Ryan Christie and Billy Gilmour could start, while Che Adams, John Souttar and Grant Hanley didn’t feature, so they may be involved.
Clarke praised Tommy Conway, who made his first Scotland start at Hampden, while George Hirst and Findlay Curtis came off the bench and will be pushing for more involvement alongside Lennon Miller.
Ben Gannon-Doak, Lawrence Shankland and Craig Gordon were not fit enough to make the squad.
Scotland v Ivory Coast LIVE
17:02 , Chris WilsonScotland play their final friendly before Steve Clarke names his squad for the World Cup as the Tartan Army head to Liverpool to face Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Clarke was surprised and “disappointed” to hear some Scotland supporters booing the team after a 1-0 defeat to Japan at Hampden on Saturday, with the visitors earning a late victory through Junya Ito’s 84th-minute winner.
Scotland, who face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in the group stages of the World Cup after qualifying automatically for the first time since 1998, wanted to face African opposition to help their preparations.
Ivory Coast are three-time champions of Africa and reached the quarter-finals of the last Africa Cup of Nations, and are currently 35th in the Fifa rankings, five places ahead of Scotland.
Clarke has said Scotland could make “six or seven changes” and confirmed he will look to field a different team to the one that started against Japan.
Good evening
16:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s friendly game between Scotland and the Ivory Coast.
Steve Clarke’s side head to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for their second friendly of the March international break as competition for places begins to heat up.
Scotland fell to a narrow defeat to Japan last time out but several players are still looking to stake their claim to a place on the plane to the USA in June, and this will be the final chance for some to impress Clarke ahead of the boss submitting his final squad in late May.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
