Scotland and Côte d’Ivoire will continue their World Cup preparations as they travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for their first-ever encounter.
After their euphoric victory over Denmark booked their place in North America, Scotland got their pre-tournament preparations off to a limp start with a lacklustre 1-0 defeat to Japan. However, these friendlies offer manager Steve Clarke the opportunity to tune his squad and make the most of their first appearance at the finals since 1998.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire come into this game in fine form having beaten a rotated South Korea side 4-0 in Milton Keynes, and Emerse Faé will be looking to test his squad yet again before they return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
This match has plenty of intrigue, and fans will have their eyes peeled to see how the squads hold up with the tournament looming large for both teams.
Team News
Côte d’Ivoire
After thumping South Korea last time out, Côte d’Ivoire will be hoping to test the strength and breadth of their squad in this encounter.
Strasbourg left winger Martial Godo impressed on his debut with a goal and an assist and may be in line to retain his place, although Nicolas Pepe and Amad both appeared from the bench in that clash and may be in line for starts as Faé looks to cement his first-choice XI.
There may also be a debut in attack, as Nice striker Elye Wahi has been named in the squad for the first time and could be played to test his abilities on the international stage.
Meanwhile, in midfield Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare could be set to start after being benched against Korea, while Wilfried Singo could be added to the backline after missing out on the 2026 African Cup of Nations due to injury.
Scotland manager Clarke has made it clear that he wanted to face African opposition before they play Morocco in the second game of their World Cup campaign, meaning that he will likely put out his strongest possible lineup to test his team against the 2023 AFCON champions.
This means there will likely be little alterations to the team against Japan, although given the disappointing nature of proceedings in that match there are still one or two positions up for grabs.
The main question mark is up front, as Lyndon Dykes was brought off for George Hirst after about an hour in that match, meaning we may see the Ipswich Town forward tasked with leading the line. Alternatively, Tommy Conway will hope to get the chance to stake his claim for the starting shirt after being deployed out wide, while Che Adams is an experienced option for Clark to ponder.
Likely Lineups
Côte d’Ivoire
Fofana; Akpa, Ndicka, Singo, Doue; Fofana, Sangare, Guiagon; Adingra, Guessand, Amad
Gunn; Robertson, Mckenna, Hendry, Patterson; Ferguson, Mclean; Conway, McTominay, McGinn; Hirst
Key Players
Côte d’Ivoire: Evann Guessand
Although his form has faltered since moving to the Premier League over the summer, Evann Guessand has been firing for Les Elephants and will be looking to add to his tally in this encounter.
Guessand has only scored one Premier League goal after signing for Aston Villa and then Crystal Palace on loan, but he diligently led the line and opened the scoring in the 4-0 win over South Korea.
His performances have improved as the season has gone on, and the forward may be able to cement his claim for a key role in this Côte d’Ivoire squad with an impressive display in this game.
Scotland: Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay has been an integral part of Scotland’s successes in recent years, and once again he seems destined to be the man that Steve Clarke’s team turn to if they are to get a momentum boosting result in this friendly.
Since his move to Napoli from Manchester United in 2024, he has taken up a talismanic role both for his club and for his national team. This includes critical contributions as he helped Napoli to the 2025 Scudetto, before his bicycle kick got proceedings off to the perfect start on the night Scotland secured their place in the 2026 World Cup.
If Scotland are to advance beyond the group stage of the World Cup for the first time ever, then McTominay will once again have to deliver on the biggest stage. This game is the perfect opportunity for the former Manchester United midfielder to show his quality in the Tartan jersey before the tournament kicks off.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
This fixture will be held at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the home of Everton FC.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 19:30 GMT
How can I watch?
This game will be broadcast live on BBC Two and through the iPlayer.