Ivory Coast vs Scotland – Match preview and team news

Scotland take on Ivory Coast in an international friendly on Tuesday as both sides continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.

Strasbourg left winger Martial Godo made an eye-catching debut with a goal and an assist in the 4-0 win over South Korea, and he could be rewarded with another start.

Nicolas Pepe and Amad both came off the bench in that game and may be in contention to return to the line-up as Faé continues to shape his preferred XI.

There could also be a debut in attack, with Nice striker Elye Wahi named in the squad for the first time and possibly given an opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.

In midfield, Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré may be recalled to the starting XI after beginning on the bench against Korea. Wilfried Singo is an option to return to the defence after missing the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations through injury.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has made it clear he wanted a test against African opposition before facing Morocco in the second game of their World Cup campaign, so he is likely to field as strong a side as possible against the 2023 AFCON champions.

As a result, there may be few changes from the team that faced Japan. The disappointing nature of that performance means a number of places are still up for grabs.

Ryan Christie, Kieran Tierney, Billy Gilmour, Anthony Ralston, George Hirst and John Souttar could all be in line to start.

The biggest question remains up front. Lyndon Dykes was replaced by George Hirst after around an hour in that match, and the Ipswich Town striker could be given the nod to lead the line.

Tommy Conway will also be hoping for a chance after being used out wide. Che Adams remains an experienced alternative for Clarke to consider.

Ivory Coast come into the game with the momentum of a World Cup-qualified side and has been using friendlies to fine-tune its squad ahead of the summer.

Their recent focus has been on squad balance and integration. Their most recent outing was a comfortable win against South Korea (4-0).

Scotland’s most recent outing ended in a 1-0 loss to Japan, leaving Clarke’s side with work to do in terms of creativity and tempo.

Before that, the Scots had secured World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion, which underlined their resilience and ability to handle pressure in big moments.

Scotland: Gunn; Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Tierney; Christie, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Curtis; Hirst

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Singo, Diomande, Kossounou, Konan; Guiagon, Sangare, Pepe; Diallo, Wahi, Godo

In the UK, Ivory Coast vs Scotland is being shown live on BBC Two, with coverage also available on BBC Scotland, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website/app.

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