Scotland will face Ivory Coast at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 31, adding a stern African test to their World Cup preparation. This follows a home match against Japan on March 28 and a farewell game versus Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30. The Scottish FA confirmed another overseas friendly is close to being finalised.

Steve Clarke's squad, back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, is strategically facing varied opposition. Games against Japan (top 20 FIFA rank) and Curacao (CONCACAF) offer distinct tactical challenges before their opener. Clarke stated the Ivory Coast fixture provides crucial experience against African opposition ahead of their summer clash with Morocco.

The warm-up schedule builds towards Scotland's World Cup Group C opener against Haiti in Boston on June 14. Subsequent group matches are against Morocco and five-time winners Brazil. These friendlies are vital for squad cohesion and tactical fine-tuning, ensuring the team is battle-ready for its historic return to the global stage.