Scotland have announced that they will play the Ivory Coast in an international friendly at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 31.
The Tartan Army are looking forward to heading over to North America for this summer's 2026 World Cup after successfully navigating their way through qualifying. Scotland pulled off a dramatic 4-2 victory against Denmark in November's qualifying clash at Hampden Park, which secured qualification to their first World Cup since 1998.
Steve Clarke's side will begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 13. They will then take on Morocco on June 19 at the same stadium before they conclude the group stage with an almighty test against five-time world champions Brazil in Miami on June 24.
Hill Dickinson Stadium to host Scotland friendly
Scotland will officially start preparations with a friendly game against Japan at Hampden Park on March 28. Just three days later, they will take on three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Ivory Coast.
The first meeting between the two nations will take place at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the game set to kick off at 7:30pm on March 31.
Following the fixture announcement, Clarke said: “We’re pleased to confirm Côte d’Ivoire as our second opponents for the March international window, following on from Japan’s visit to Glasgow.
“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.
“It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy the opportunity to visit the new stadium.”
FGG says: Strong opponent at an impressive stadium
There will be a few raised eyebrows at the decision to head across the border to England for a game as part of Scotland's World Cup preparation. But it does represent the chance for Scotland supporters to visit a new stadium.
Perhaps more importantly, Scotland are set to face a tricky opponent, which is exactly what they need as they gear up to their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Ivory Coast may have only reached the quarter-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations, but they can call upon quality players such as Manchester United's Amad Diallo, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande.
From Everton's perspective, it demonstrates the benefits of having a modern stadium, enabling them to host more events than just the club's home games, which ultimately opens up more revenue opportunities.
The match will be the first time that Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts international football, offering a taste of what is to come in 2028 after being picked as one of the venues for the next European Championship.