Japan qualified for the World Cup with three games to spare
Published March 27, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
International friendly: Scotland v Japan
Saturday 28 March, 17:00 GMT
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Watch on iPlayerListen on Sounds
Watch live on BBC Scotland, the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app; listen on BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sounds; follow live coverage online
While other European nations go through the anguish of play-offs for the World Cup, Scotland can get on with the business of preparing for the summer tournament in the Americas.
First up is a friendly game against Japan at Hampden on Saturday.
While Scotland are returning to the biggest international stage after a 28-year absence, Japan will be making an eighth successive appearance.
Steve Clarke's side have not played since clinching qualification with a memorable 4-2 win over Denmark in November.
The visitors, 19th in the Fifa rankings - 19 places above Scotland, have won their past three friendlies, including a 3-2 victory against Brazil in October.
For Japan's first visit to the national stadium in Glasgow, TV coverage is on BBC One Scotland from 16:30 GMT, with the match also available via the iPlayer.
Jonathan Sutherland is your host alongside Leanne Crichton and Neil McCann, with commentary from Liam McLeod and James McFadden.
Radio coverage starts on BBC Radio Scotland from 15:30, with former internationals Billy Dodds and Willie Miller joining host Andy Burke and commentator Alasdair Lamont.
As ever, you can follow everything on the BBC Sport website and app, including text updates on the action, in-play clips, and have you say as it happens.