7M - Scotland 0-1 Japan: Junya Ito late strike denies Steve Clarke side in World Cup warm-up at Hampden Park

Japan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Scotland in a World Cup preparation friendly at Hampden Park on March 28 2026. Substitute Junya Ito broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, finishing from 12 yards to give Hajime Moriyasu's squad a valuable away win.

Both teams struck the woodwork during an evenly contested first half. Scott McTominay came closest for the hosts when his effort from close range was diverted onto the post by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. At the other end Kodai Sano saw a side-footed attempt from inside the area clip the crossbar in the 38th minute.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke expressed disappointment after hearing some supporters voice frustration at the final whistle. The Tartan Army had celebrated enthusiastically in November when a 4-2 win over Denmark secured World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998. Clarke emphasized the quality of the opposition and noted that his squad gained useful experience despite the result.

Andy Robertson earned his 91st cap moving level with Jim Leighton in Scotland's all-time appearance rankings. Tommy Conway received his first start while Findlay Curtis made his senior debut as a late substitute. For Japan captain Daizen Maeda led the side as they continued preparations for their eighth consecutive World Cup finals.

Scotland will look to respond when they face Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday. Additional warm-up matches against Curacao and another opponent await before the team travels to the United States for the tournament where they are drawn alongside Haiti Morocco and Brazil.