STEVE CLARKE has added a crucial piece to his World Cup puzzle today with the confirmation that Scotland will face Côte d’Ivoire in a friendly at Everton’s brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, March 31.
The clash against “The Elephants” is the latest warm-up fixture to be announced as the national team gears up for a historic summer in North America. It follows the previously confirmed home match against Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday, March 28.
The Morocco Blueprint
The decision to face the Ivorians—who are fresh from a run to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals—is a calculated tactical move. With Scotland drawn against Morocco in World Cup Group C, Clarke is eager to test his squad against high-caliber African opposition.
“We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I’m sure Côte d’Ivoire will give us a really stern test,” Clarke said. “It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The supporters will enjoy the opportunity to visit the new stadium.”
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Like Scotland, Côte d’Ivoire have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, ensuring a high-intensity encounter in Liverpool.
Road to the World Cup: The Schedule So Far
The March double-header is the start of a busy spring for the Tartan Army. Following the trip to Merseyside, Scotland will return to Glasgow to host Curaçao in their final home send-off before flying across the Atlantic. The SFA is also reportedly in the final stages of securing one additional friendly to be played overseas closer to the tournament start date.
Confirmed Warm-up Fixtures:
- Scotland vs Japan: March 28 (Hampden Park)
- Scotland vs Côte d’Ivoire: March 31 (Hill Dickinson Stadium)
- Scotland vs Curaçao: Date TBC (Hampden Park)
Ticket Information for the Tartan Army
Scotland Supporters Club (SSC) members will be given priority to ensure they receive their vital loyalty points. Tickets for the “away” allocation at Everton’s new ground will go on sale through the Scottish FA shortly.
General sale tickets for the remaining sections of the stadium will be available via Everton’s official ticketing website later this week. With thousands of Scots expected to make the journey south to the docks, the match is expected to be a near sell-out.
Tartan Army—what do you think of the opposition? Is Côte d’Ivoire the right test to prepare us for Morocco, or should we have aimed for a European giant? Let us know in the comments!
