Scotland vs Japan prediction 28.03.2026 | Friendly International
Scotland
Kick off:
Date:
Japan
1
3.25
X
3.25
2
2.20
Contents
- Competition: Friendly International
- Date: 28th March, 2026
- Kickoff: 17:00 UK / 18:00 CET
- Venue: Hampden Park
Scotland will host Japan in an international friendly as both sides continue their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Scotland vs Japan Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
Japan
2 : 0
Scotland
Friendly International
Historically, meetings between Scotland and Japan have been limited, with only a handful of previous encounters recorded. Japan remain unbeaten in past meetings, including two goalless draws and one victory. The last time the two sides met was over 15 years ago in a friendly, with Japan emerging victorious in a 2-0 win.
Scotland team overview
Scotland enter this friendly in encouraging form, winning four of their last six matches, including a 4-2 victory over Denmark and a 3-1 win against Greece in World Cup qualifying. After securing their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Steve Clarke’s side should treat every remaining friendly with maximum seriousness.
However, Scotland face several squad concerns ahead of this match. Striker Che Adams is expected to miss the fixture due to a calf injury, while John McGinn and Ryan Gauld are also dealing with fitness issues, limiting options in midfield and attack. Manager Steve Clarke has responded by calling up younger players and fringe squad members to evaluate depth ahead of the World Cup.
Last matches of Scotland
-
Scotland
4 : 2
Denmark
WC Qualification Europe
-
Greece
3 : 2
Scotland
WC Qualification Europe
-
Scotland
2 : 1
Belarus
WC Qualification Europe
-
Scotland
3 : 1
Greece
WC Qualification Europe
-
Belarus
0 : 2
Scotland
WC Qualification Europe
Scotland lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Craig Gordon
Defenders
-
2
Aaron Hickey
-
5
Grant Hanley
-
16
Scott McKenna
-
3
Andrew Robertson
Midfielders
-
19
Lewis Ferguson
-
11
Ryan Christie
-
4
Scott McTominay
Forwards
-
7
John McGinn
-
17
Ben Gannon-Doak
-
9
Lyndon Dykes
Japan team overview
Japan arrive in Glasgow with strong squad depth and a consistent tactical identity under manager Hajime Moriyasu. The team continues to focus on technical discipline, high pressing, and quick transitions, which have made them one of Asia’s most competitive national teams in recent years. Their squad for the March friendlies includes several experienced players and returning defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been recalled after a long injury absence, adding defensive stability ahead of the World Cup.
Japan’s recent performances have been solid, highlighted by a historic 3-2 friendly win over five-time World Cup winners Brazil. Impressively, the Samurai Blue have lost only twice in their last 23 competitive international matches.
Japan are also preparing for another high-profile friendly against England, which suggests they will approach the Scotland match with a structured and disciplined tactical setup.
Last matches of Japan
-
Japan
3 : 0
Bolivia
Friendly International
-
Japan
2 : 0
Ghana
Friendly International
-
Japan
3 : 2
Brazil
Friendly International
-
Japan
2 : 2
Paraguay
Non-FIFA Friendlies
-
United States
2 : 0
Japan
Friendly International
Japan lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Tomoki Hayakawa
Defenders
-
4
Ko Itakura
-
3
Shogo Taniguchi
-
22
Ayumu Seko
-
11
Daizen Maeda
-
2
Yukinari Sugawara
Midfielders
-
15
Daichi Kamada
-
10
Ritsu Doan
-
8
Takumi Minamino
-
20
Takefusa Kubo
Forwards
-
19
Koki Ogawa
Prediction
Expect a closely contested friendly with balanced possession, moderate to high scoring opportunities as both teams are seeking valuable preparation ahead of the World Cup.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS).
Three reasons we expect BTTS
- BTTS has landed in two of Japan’s last four international friendlies.
- BTTS has occurred in Scotland’s last four international fixtures.
- Japan have failed to keep a clean sheet in three of their last five matches across all competitions.
Main prediction Scotland - Japan
Both Teams to Score
Best Odds:
Megapari
1.83
