What observers say
“Obviously we’ve quite a number of players that are maybe coming back from injury or have little niggles at this stage of the season, so some of the selections might raise an eyebrow a little bit,” said Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, as he prepares his team for the upcoming friendly against Japan on March 28, 2026.
This match, taking place at Hampden Park in Scotland, marks a significant moment for the Scottish national team, as it will be their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Clarke emphasized the importance of this friendly, stating, “Every game with a national team should be an important game. They’re both important. In terms of preparation for the summer, very important.” The match serves as a crucial opportunity for Scotland to assess their squad ahead of the World Cup.
Scotland’s recent form has been promising, finishing at the top of their World Cup qualifying group and winning their last match against Denmark with a score of 4-2. The team has won eight of their last twelve matches, showcasing a resurgence in their performance. However, they will be without winger Ben Gannon-Doak, who is unavailable due to injury.
In contrast, Japan has been in formidable form, having won all six of their World Cup qualifying matches and being the first team to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The Japanese side has claimed 23 points in their qualifiers, scoring 23 goals while conceding only three. Their recent victories include a 4-2 win against Germany and a 2-0 win over Turkiye, highlighting their strength against European teams.
Despite their success, Japan will be missing key players for the match against Scotland, including Ko Itakura and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Coach Clarke noted, “The Japanese side in particular have a very interesting way of playing,” indicating that he respects their tactical approach and is preparing his team accordingly.
The match is set to kick off at 13:00 EST and 17:00 GMT, providing both teams with a platform to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the World Cup. Following the match against Japan, Scotland will also face the Ivory Coast, further enhancing their preparation.
As both teams gear up for this friendly, the focus will be on player performance and tactical execution. Clarke expressed hope that Scotland can continue their momentum from the qualifying campaign, stating, “It would be nice to think that we can continue where we were after the qualifying campaign.” The outcome of this match could provide valuable insights into both teams’ readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the World Cup.
