Scotland: World Cup warm-ups against Japan and Curacao confirmed at Hampden Park as Steve Clarke’s countdown to finals | Football news


Scotland will face Japan and Curacao in two home friendlies ahead of the World Cup.

The match against Japan – the first nation to qualify for the tournament – will take place on March 28 (kick-off 5pm) at Hampden Park.

It will be the team’s first game back at the national stadium since qualification was confirmed.

Scotland celebrate 2026 World Cup qualification after sensational 4-2 win against Denmark
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Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park to qualify for the World Cup

Head coach Steve Clarke’s side will then face Curaçao – the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup – on May 30 (kick-off 1pm).

That match against former Rangers boss Dick Advocate’s side will give fans one last chance to see the team before they fly to the US.

Who do Scotland face at the World Cup?

Group C matches at the World Cup in Scotland

  • Haiti v Scotland – June 14, Boston, 2:00 (UK)
  • Scotland v Morocco – June 19, Boston, 11pm (UK time)
  • Scotland v Brazil – June 24, Miami, 11pm (UK time)

Scotland’s World Cup opener takes on Haiti on June 14 in Boston as the nation returns to the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Scotland will then meet Morocco on June 19, also at Gillette Stadium, and finish Group C against five-time winners Brazil in Miami on June 24.

Clark explains home friendlies

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In a wide-ranging interview last month, Steve Clarke reflected on Scotland qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, his plans for the USA, talks with Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes and more…

“I’m delighted to confirm our two home opponents,” said Clarke.

“Following our usual approach of organizing tough friendlies, we are delighted to secure the visit of Japan – who are in the top 20 of FIFA’s world rankings.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming Curaçao to Glasgow, which should give us a feel for the CONCACAF federation ahead of our game against Haiti.”

A goalless draw secured Curaçao a place in next year's World Cup
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A goalless draw secured Curacao’s place in the World Cup

“It will be great to meet the team for the first time since that crazy, momentous night, when they brought us back to the World Cup after so long.”

“We can spend the first day reminiscing, but then it’s back to the serious business of preparing for summer.”

The Scottish Football Association will announce two away friendlies in due course, in addition to these matches at Hampden Park.

Previous meetings

This will be Japan’s first visit to Barclays Hampden, but the two countries have played each other on three occasions – with two goalless draws and a win for Samurai Blue.

One of those setbacks led to Scotland winning the Kirin Cup – hosted by Japan – in 2006.

This is the first time Scotland will face Curacao.



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