Junya Ito scored a late winner as Japan defeated Scotland 1-0 in an international friendly at Hampden Park on Saturday. The visitors dominated possession and extended their strong form, while Scotland showed promise but fell short. The match served as preparation for Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Scotland hosted Japan at Hampden Park for a World Cup warm-up friendly on March 28, 2026. The visitors secured a narrow 1-0 victory with a goal from substitute Junya Ito in the 84th minute. Ito latched onto a loose ball, took a touch, and rolled his effort past goalkeeper Angus Gunn into the corner of the net. Japan, ranked among the top 20 teams globally, largely controlled the game and limited Scotland to few clear chances despite bright starts to both halves. They have now suffered just one defeat in their last 11 matches and have won five of their past six against European nations. Scotland, on a run of four wins in five recent internationals including against Denmark and Greece, will take lessons into the tournament this summer. Early in the match, Scott McTominay struck a firm first-time effort at Zion Suzuki, who made a reaction save to push it onto the post. Japan responded with dominance, Ao Tanaka clipping the bar in the 38th minute, Yuito Suzuki shooting at Gunn, and Kaishu Sano vollying over. After halftime, McTominay and captain Andy Robertson tested Suzuki, while substitutes Ito and Kaoru Mitoma created threats cleared by Scotland's defense. Kieran Tierney and George Hirst combined for a late chance, but Hirst dragged his shot wide. Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: 'A lot to take from the performance. One or two things we could do better. To lose it on the goal we lost was disappointing. It looked as though the game would peter out to a 0-0 draw, we got caught unbalanced. We defended well against a really good side and the midfield was strong, but we can still be more progressive.' Defender Jack Hendry added: 'It was a good test for us, Japan are a good side. Obviously disappointed with the result, but going into the World Cup it’s good to play these opponents. It was a good run out, we’ll learn loads from that and get better.' Scotland face Ivory Coast next on Tuesday at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
