Japan Defeats Scotland in World Cup Preparatory Match at Hampden Park

In a preparatory match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Japan secured a 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on March 28, 2026. Substitute Junya Ito scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute, breaking a deadlock in a match where both teams had earlier struck the woodwork. This result extends Japan's unbeaten record against Scotland to four matches. The game served as a warm-up for both squads ahead of the tournament in North America, with Scotland scheduled to face Ivory Coast, Curaçao, and another opponent before their group stage matches against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil.