John McGinn declared he'd 'happily lose friendlies for the next 10 years' to secure Scotland's place at major tournaments, following a 1-0 defeat to Japan that left the team booed at Hampden Park.

Scotland's national side, returning to action after qualification was sealed against Denmark in November, struggled against a Japan side they should have dominated. Head coach Steve Clarke admitted disappointment at the reaction to the performance, which came after euphoric celebrations just months prior.

Only one win in ten friendlies has marked Scotland's recent form, highlighting the challenge. McGinn, capped 84 times, emphasized the need for balance, warning that reckless play could lead to embarrassment and further booing. He framed the tough matches against Ivory Coast and Japan as essential preparation for the World Cup, viewing them as opportunities to test new players and build fitness.

The squad, featuring stars like Andy Robertson and John McGinn, faces a crucial test against Ivory Coast before focusing on the Morocco group stage. McGinn's commitment underscores the pressure on Scotland to perform at the highest level in 2026.