Ivory Coast will face Scotland in their first-ever senior international friendly, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:30 GMT.
The fixture represents a historic encounter between the two nations, offering the Elephants an opportunity to measure themselves against a European side also preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
For Ivory Coast, the friendly is a crucial step in fine-tuning tactics, testing squad cohesion, and building momentum ahead of the 2026 tournament.
“This match is an exceptional opportunity for our players to confront strong European opposition and prepare rigorously for the World Cup,” a FIF spokesperson said.
The Elephants will travel to England aiming to gain experience against a competitive Scottish team, which brings its own World Cup ambitions to the clash.
Ivory Coast coach and players are expected to use the match to evaluate key tactical setups, assess individual performances, and experiment with squad rotations in a competitive environment.
With World Cup preparations at the forefront, the friendly offers both teams the chance to address strengths and weaknesses in a controlled yet challenging setting.
Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium was chosen for its modern facilities and international reputation, providing an ideal venue for what is being described as a landmark event for Ivorian football.
Fans of both nations are expected to witness a lively contest, with Scotland bringing a disciplined European approach and Ivory Coast showcasing their athleticism and attacking flair.
This friendly also signals Ivory Coast’s commitment to high-quality preparation for the World Cup, with the federation highlighting the importance of facing top-tier international opponents in neutral venues.
The encounter is expected to draw global attention, not only for its novelty but also as a barometer of both teams’ readiness ahead of the global tournament.
For the Elephants, the March 31 fixture is more than a friendly; it is a strategic step in building confidence, testing formations, and solidifying team spirit as they look toward their World Cup campaign.
