Scotland And Côte D’Ivoire Set For Historic Liverpool Showdown

Football fans across the globe, mark your calendars for a landmark occasion: on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, Scotland and Côte d’Ivoire will lock horns in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup warm-up match at Everton FC’s state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. With kick-off set for 7:30pm, this fixture isn’t just another friendly—it’s a night brimming with firsts, high stakes, and a palpable sense of history in the making.

This match will be the inaugural senior men’s international fixture at the 52,769-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium, which opened its doors in August 2025. Everton FC, having left the storied Goodison Park behind, have already made the new waterfront venue their home, but this will be the first time it hosts two World Cup-qualified nations. The excitement is electric, as both teams fine-tune their preparations for a summer in North America.

For Scotland, the road to this moment has been nothing short of dramatic. Steve Clarke’s men ended a 28-year World Cup drought with a thrilling 4-2 triumph over Denmark, topping their qualifying group in style. The Tartan Army’s resurgence has injected fresh hope and energy into Scottish football, and fans are buzzing to see their heroes take on African opposition in the build-up to the big dance.

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, are no strangers to football’s grandest stage. The three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, having navigated their qualifying campaign unbeaten. Their squad, brimming with Premier League talent, is eager to prove its mettle against European opposition before facing Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao in the group stage this summer.

“We’re pleased to confirm Côte d’Ivoire as our second opponents for the March international window, following on from Japan’s visit to Glasgow,” Scotland head coach Steve Clarke said. “We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I’m sure Côte d’Ivoire will give us a really stern test. It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy the opportunity to visit the new stadium.”

His counterpart, Emerse Faé, who once represented Côte d’Ivoire at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, echoed the anticipation: “Coming to Liverpool to face Scotland will be an excellent test for us against European opposition ahead of the FIFA World Cup. It is a great opportunity to measure our level against players from top clubs, many of whom we know well from the Premier League. We are very happy to play this friendly in such a fantastic atmosphere, in a wonderful stadium, in front of passionate Scottish fans. We are really excited to be there.”

The fixture is the latest chapter in Pitch International’s ‘Road to 26’ series, a showcase of elite football as the world counts down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The promotion agency, renowned for its expertise in global sporting events, has brought together two sides whose journeys to qualification have reignited national pride and fan fervor.

Supporters attending the match can expect to see a host of familiar faces. Scotland’s lineup is set to feature Everton’s own Nathan Patterson, Liverpool’s tireless captain Andy Robertson, Aston Villa’s midfield dynamo John McGinn, and Napoli’s Scott McTominay. Côte d’Ivoire, not to be outdone, will likely field Manchester United’s rising star Amad Diallo, former Crystal Palace captain Wilfried Zaha, and Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand. With such talent on display, the pitch promises a clash of styles, pace, and no shortage of Premier League rivalries reignited in international colors.

The significance of this match extends beyond the action on the field. Angus Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer at Everton Football Club, highlighted the magnitude of the occasion: “Hosting our first senior men’s international fixture is an important milestone for Hill Dickinson Stadium and underlines its credentials as a world-class venue for major sporting occasions. To stage the first-ever meeting between Scotland and Ivory Coast is a fitting moment, and we look forward to welcoming two World Cup-qualified nations and their supporters to Liverpool’s waterfront for what promises to be a special night of international football.”

Hill Dickinson Stadium is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for major events. Since opening, it has hosted not only Premier League action but also a sold-out Rugby League Ashes fixture between England and Australia in November 2025. The venue is set to welcome Rugby League’s Magic Weekend in July and will play a key role as a host for UEFA EURO 2028, with more high-profile events on the horizon. The international fixture between Scotland and Côte d’Ivoire further cements its reputation as a beacon for sporting excellence.

For Scotland, this encounter is part of a busy spring schedule. Just three days prior, on 28 March, they will host Japan at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The friendly against Côte d’Ivoire offers a crucial test ahead of their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Boston on 14 June, followed by matchups with Morocco and Brazil. Côte d’Ivoire, quarter-finalists at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, will use this match to prepare for their own group, which includes Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.

Tickets for this historic night will be in high demand. Scotland Supporters’ Club members, Everton Season Ticket Members, Premium Members, and Forever Blue+ Members will have priority access before the general sale begins on Thursday, 5 February 2026. Presales kick off on Tuesday, 3 February. Prices start at £27 for adults and £16 for under-16s, with a range of premium experiences available from £120 through Seat Unique. Details on the sales process and timings are set to be confirmed next week, but one thing’s for sure—fans won’t want to miss out on the first-ever international clash at this gleaming new stadium.

With anticipation building, both teams are eager to make the most of this dress rehearsal. The stakes may not be as high as they will be in North America this summer, but for players, coaches, and supporters alike, every minute on the pitch is a chance to build confidence, test tactics, and create new memories. Will Scotland’s resurgence continue, or will Côte d’Ivoire’s unbeaten momentum carry them through? Only time will tell, but what’s certain is that Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is about to witness a night of football that will be talked about for years to come.

As the countdown continues, all eyes turn to Merseyside, where two proud footballing nations will write a new chapter in their histories—one that begins with a handshake, a whistle, and the roar of thousands of fans under the lights.