Scotland ramps up World Cup preparations with a friendly against Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, England. Steve Clarke’s squad faced Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday, but the Tartan Army travels south for Tuesday’s match at the Toffees’ new venue, hosting its first men’s international fixture.
Part of the ‘Road to 26’ Series
The game forms part of Pitch International’s ‘Road to 26’ series, featuring World Cup qualifiers at neutral venues. Most matches occur in the United States, including France versus Brazil in Boston, France against Colombia in Maryland, and Brazil facing Croatia in Orlando, Florida. This fixture fits both teams’ schedules, with Ivory Coast playing South Korea in Milton Keynes on Saturday and Scotland hosting Japan in Glasgow.
Strategic Warm-Up and Venue Benefits
Scotland meets Morocco in the World Cup group stage, while Ivory Coast faces Germany, making this African-European clash ideal preparation. The £800 million, 52,769-capacity stadium also benefits Everton, as it prepares to host Euro 2028 matches for the home nations. England’s Lionesses schedule a World Cup qualifier there against Ukraine in June.
David Moyes, Everton’s manager, expressed enthusiasm for the event. “No doubt that night will see Liverpool full of lots of kilted men and I hope you make them all welcome,” he told supporters.
Everton-Scotland Connections and Fan Experience
Nathan Patterson represents Scotland at Everton, continuing a tradition of Scots like Graeme Sharp, Duncan Ferguson, David Weir, Andy Gray, James McFadden, Pat Nevin, and Steven Naismith. Fans enjoy special menu items, including slow-cooked Ivorian beef stew, Stornoway black pudding loaded jacket potatoes, haggis and smoked bacon pizza, and battered Mars bar with whisky custard.
Scotland’s last Liverpool outing came in 1978, when Wales hosted a crucial World Cup qualifier at Anfield. Goals from Don Masson and Kenny Dalglish secured a victory, qualifying the Tartan Army for Argentina.
