Scotland vs Japan Predictions & Tips - Tartan Army Win or Draw in the International Friendly

Alex Waite

Editor

Last updated: Fri 27 Mar 2026 10:51

Alex Waite 27 Mar 2026

Share this article

Scotland impressed at home in 2026 World Cup Qualification
Japan are less convincing in their away international matches
A home win or draw is the best bet in this International Friendly

Expired

Scotland have won their last 3 home games (Getty)

Scotland vs Japan Preview

Scotland are a strong home side and have beaten some decent opponents recently. Japan’s away form is patchy and the Tartan Army can win or draw in this International Friendly.

Scotland vs Japan Preview
Scotland on a 3 Match Winning Streak
H2H
Scotland in Top Home Form
Japan Unconvincing on Their Travels
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News

Scotland on a 3 Match Winning Streak

Scotland have won their last 3 home matches.
Scotland have drawn 2 of their last 3 games against Japan.
Japan are winless in their last 2 away matches.

H2H

Japan have a 1-0 advantage against Scotland, alongside two draws.

Scotland in Top Home Form

Steve Clarke’s Scotland came top of their 2026 World Cup Qualification group after winning four of their six matches.

The Tartan Army held Denmark to a 0-0 away draw before beating Belarus 2-0. Home wins over Greece 3-1 and Belarus 2-1 followed.

Scotland extended their winning streak at home to three consecutive matches following a 4-2 triumph over Denmark. Scott McTominay scored in the first half and Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean struck in the final 15 minutes.

Japan Unconvincing on Their Travels

Japan are in patchy recent form and have failed to win in three of their last six in all competitions.

The Samurai Blue drew 0-0 against Mexico and lost 2-0 to the USA, both away. Japan then came from behind twice and held Paraguay to a 2-2 draw.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side responded with three home victories in a row. They started that run with wins against Brazil 3-2 and Ghana 2-0.

The Asian outfit extended their winning run with a 3-0 home win over Bolivia in November. Japan had eight shots and Daichi Kamada, Shuto Machino and Keito Nakamura scored.

Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News

Scotland (4-2-3-1): Angus Gunn; Anthony Ralston, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andy Robertson; Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour; John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie; Che Adams

Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Scott Bain, Liam Kelly

Defenders: Andy Robertson, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, Anthony Ralston, Nathan Patterson, John Souttar, Dominic Hyam, Ross McCrorie

Midfielders: John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Lennon Miller, Andy Irving

Forwards: Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Tommy Conway, George Hirst, Findlay Curtis

Defender Aaron Hickey, striker Lawrence Shankland and forward Ben Gannon-Doak weren’t selected due to injury.

Japan (3-4-2-1): Zion Suzuki; Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Junnosuke Suzuki, Shogo Taniguchi; Ritsu Doan, Kodai Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura; Ao Tanaka, Karou Mitoma; Ayase Ueda

Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa

Defenders: Yukinari Sugawara, Shogo Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Junnosuke Suzuki, Daiki Hashioka

Midfielders: Kaishu Sano, Joel Chima Fujita, Kaoru Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Kodai Sano, Ryunosuke Sato

Forwards: Yuito Suzuki, Shuto Machino, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Koki Ogawa, Keisuke Goto, Kento Shiogai

Midfielder Waturu Endo and defender Tomoya Ando are unavailable due to injury.

Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu also withdrew from the Japan squad following his first call-up since 2025.

Verdict

Scotland v Japan

Scotland will want to maintain their momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Tartan Army are tough to beat at Hampden Park and can win or draw with Japan in this friendly encounter.

Scotland Win or Draw

Double Chance

@11/17 - 3 Units

£30 Free Bet

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets