[Watch Scotland vs Japan online in the US on Fubo]

As the FIFA World Cup approaches, Scotland and Japan will meet in a key international friendly aimed at sharpening their form. Scotland brings renewed momentum in its return to the global stage.

On the other hand, Japan continues its steady rise as a disciplined, dangerous side ready to challenge top competition. With both teams using this as a crucial tune-up, expect a fast, competitive clash you won’t want to miss.

When will the Scotland vs Japan match be played?

Scotland play against Japan in a 2026 friendly game this Saturday, March 28, with the match kicking off at 1:00 PM (ET).

Scotland vs Japan: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:00 PM
CT: 12:00 PM
MT: 11:00 AM
PT: 10:00 AM

How to watch Scotland vs Japan in the USA

This Friendly clash between Scotland and Japan will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: FOX Soccer Plus and ViX.

US viewers:

UK viewers:

Scotland needed to win in order to avoid the UEFA playoffs, and that’s exactly what they did in Glasgow. In a dramatic night that soccer fans will hardly forget, Steve Clarke’s team got the job done to win Group C with 13 points, overtaking Denmark, who finished in second place with 11 points.

Thanks to this memorable 4-2 victory, Scotland have officially secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This sees them return to the big event after a 28-year absence, with their last appearance dating back to France 1998.

Scotland send Denmark to UEFA 2026 World Cup playoffs

Denmark, on the other hand, will have to continue their quest for a spot through the UEFA playoffs, which will involve 15 other European nations in March 2026 with only four tickets to the World Cup at stake.

These are all 16 teams that will take part in the UEFA playoffs, with the draw set for November 20, 2025: Slovakia, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Poland, Albania, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, North Macedonia, and Denmark.

The game between Scotland and Denmark was as tense and tightly contested as expected in the anteroom. However, thanks to Scott McTominay’s heroic bycicle-kick goal, the Scots broke the deadlock just three minutes into the game.

However, the night had a lot more tension in store for the packed-out crowd at Hampden Park. Somehow, someway, Scotland weathered the storm, finding the late game-winner to secure all three points in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

With the nail-biting 4-2 win, Scotland secured first place in Group C and officially punched their ticket to the FIFA 2026 World Cup. It wasn’t easy, nor was it stress-free, but the Tartan Army will be heading to North America. Fans in the US, Mexico, and Canada better get used to the sound of bagpipes, as they will be hearing a lot of them next summer.

Group standings

After a dramatic finale, Scotland finished atop Group C with 13 points—officially qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Denmark fell just short of their end goal, with 11 points. Closing out the standings were Greece (7 points) and Belarus (2).

Though they failed to punch their ticket to the World Cup, Denmark aren’t eliminated from contention. Instead, they will be competing in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers playoffs, where 16 teams will fight for the last four European spots in soccer’s biggest tournament.

Scotland back in the World Cup

For the first time since the turn of the 21st century, Scotland are back in the FIFA World Cup. The Scots hadn’t made it to the tournament since the 1998 edition—held in France. Now, the Tartan Army will be competing for eternal glory for the first time in 28 years. The goal for Steve Clarke’s team is clear: making it out of the World Cup’s group stage for the first time in Scotland’s history.

Only three minutes into the World Cup Qualifier at Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Napoli star sent the home crowd into a frenzy with an acrobatic finish, giving Scotland a crucial lead.

The home side arrived in this game in second place of Group C with 10 points, just one shy of leaders Denmark. Therefore, a win is all Scotland need in order to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.

US viewers:

UK viewers:

If Scotland tie or lose against Denmark, they’d finish in second place in the group and would therefore have to settle with a spot in the European playoffs for the final World Cup berths.

How do the UEFA 2026 World Cup playoffs work?

The UEFA playoffs will involve 16 teams, with four tickets to the 2026 World Cup up for grabs. The participant teams in question include the 12 runners-up from the UEFA World Cup Qualifying first round groups, along with the four teams with the best 2024–25 UEFA Nations League performance who didn’t access to this round via the WC Qualifiers.

The nations will be divided into four brackets, each containing four teams, with each bracket featuring two single-leg semifinals and a single-leg final. The twelve matches will take place in March 2026. The draw to determine the four playoff paths will be held on 20 November 2025.

Steve Clarke’s squad enters its final matchday with 10 points, the result of three wins, one draw, and one loss. Heading into this decisive round, Scotland sit in second place in the group.

On the other side, Denmark lead Group C with 11 points, having secured three wins and two draws, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament so far. The Scandinavians are dreaming of securing yet another trip to the World Cup.

What happens if Scotland beat Denmark today?

If Scotland manage to defeat Denmark at Hampden Park, they would climb to 13 points, overtake Denmark for first place in Group C, and clinch a direct berth to the upcoming World Cup.

What happens if Scotland and Denmark tie?

If the match ends in a draw, Scotland would remain in second place in the group and would have to pursue their spot in the upcoming World Cup through the European playoff route.

What happens if Scotland lose to Denmark today?

If Scotland fall at home, their second place in the group would remain unchanged, as they hold a four-point lead over Greece. This means that even if the Hellenic side wins its match, there’s no mathematical chance of catching Scotland. Therefore, a loss would see Scotland settle with a playoff spot.

[Watch Scotland vs Greece live in the USA for FREE on Fubo]

Scotland entered the promotion/relegation playoffs with a strong start, securing a 1-0 away win that gave them a crucial edge. Having narrowly avoided relegation, they now face the opportunity to secure their league spot with a home match ahead, though a 1-0 draw still leaves things uncertain.

Greece, despite the tough loss in the first leg, is determined to fight back and turn the series around in the second match, fully aware that the tie is still very much in play.

When will the Scotland vs Greece match be played?

Scotland take on Greece in the second leg 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoffs this Sunday, March 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM (ET).

Scotland vs Greece: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:00 PM

CT: 12:00 PM

MT: 11:00 AM

PT: 10:00 AM

How to watch Scotland vs Greece in the USA

Watch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League showdown between Scotland and Greece live in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

[Watch Greece vs Scotland live in the USA for FREE on Fubo]

Greece put together an impressive group-stage run, entering the final Matchday with a shot at direct promotion, highlighted by a historic away win over England. Now, they aim to cap off their strong campaign with a well-earned spot in League A.

Standing in their way are Scotland, who fought off relegation and edged past Poland in a hard-fought battle. With survival secured, Scotland now looks to take the next step and extend their stay in the top tier.

When will the Greece vs Scotland match be played?

Greece will face Scotland in the first leg 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoffs this Thursday, March 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:45 PM (ET).

Greece vs Scotland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM

CT: 2:45 PM

MT: 1:45 PM

PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Greece vs Scotland in the USA

Watch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League showdown between Greece and Scotland live in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Other options: ViX.

The Al Nassr star, after struggling in the UEFA EURO campaign, has once again become the leader of the team. With his goal-scoring proficiency, Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Portugal from the start.

Following their win over Poland on Saturday, Portugal turned into the only solitaire team to win their first three matches in the League A of the competition. Ronaldo, as the team’s top scorer, will lead the charge as they aim to maintain their perfect record against Scotland.

Scotland, meanwhile, is eager to strengthen its position on home soil after a narrow 2-3 defeat to Poland in the first game, which slipped away after a 97th-minute penalty. This match will see Portugal looking to secure early qualification, while the hosts hope to earn their first points and avoid the threat of relegation.

Coach Martinez praises Ronaldo’s hard work

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations regarding his age and performance. In the post-game press conference, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez was full of praise for his veteran star: “Age doesn’t matter when evaluating a player, Ronaldo doesn’t train like a 39-year-old, and he certainly doesn’t play like one. We’re assessing each player based on how they feel. Cristiano has been working incredibly hard this week.”

When asked about Ronaldo’s availability for the Scotland match, Martinez remained confident. “I have no doubt that after playing 60 minutes, Cristiano could be involved in the second game,” he said. “I don’t know if he’ll start or finish the match, but he can definitely contribute, as he showed in the last game,” he ended.

Portugal’s confirmed lineup against Poland

Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Joao Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceicao, Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo.

[Watch Scotland vs Portugal for free in the USA on Fubo]

Portugal continue to assert their dominance in Group 1 of League A, boasting a perfect record of three wins in as many matches. Cristiano Ronaldo and his squad are now in a position where they control their own destiny, needing just one more victory to secure the top spot in the group.

In a crucial Matchday 4 clash, they will take on Scotland, who have struggled mightily and are yet to secure a single point, losing all their previous matches. With the threat of relegation looming large, Scotland desperately needs to start accumulating points to stay afloat in the competition.

Scotland vs Portugal: Kick-Off Time in Your country

Argentina: 3:45 PM

Australia: 4:45 AM (October 16)

Bangladesh: 12:45 AM (October 16)

Canada: 2:45 PM

France: 8:45 PM

Germany: 8:45 PM

India: 12:15 AM (October 16)

Indonesia: 2:45 AM (October 16)

Ireland: 7:45 PM

Italy: 8:45 PM

Malaysia: 2:45 AM (October 16)

Mexico: 12:45 PM

Netherlands: 8:45 PM

Nigeria: 7:45 PM

Portugal: 7:45 PM

South Africa: 8:45 PM

Spain: 8:45 PM

UAE: 10:45 PM

UK: 7:45 PM

United States: 2:45 PM (ET)

Scotland vs Portugal: TV Channel and Live Streaming in your country

Source: Livesoccertv.com

Argentina: Disney+ Argentina, ESPN Argentina

Australia: Optus Sport

Bangladesh: tapmad, Sony LIV

Canada: DAZN Canada

France: Molotov, Free, L’Équipe

Germany: DAZN Deutschland, DAZN2 Germany

India: JioTV, Sony LIV

International: UEFA.tv, YouTube

Ireland: STV Scotland, UTV, Virgin Media Three, BBC Radio 5 Live

Mexico: Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico

Netherlands: Ziggo Sport 3

Nigeria: DStv Now, SuperSport OTT 3, SuperSport Premier League Nigeria, SuperSport MaXimo 1

Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, RTP Play, Match Player, Sport TV1, RTP 1

South Africa: DStv App, SuperSport OTT 3, MáXimo 360, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport MaXimo 1

United Arab Emirates: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD, beIN Sports HD 6, beIN Sports English

UK: STV Player, STV Scotland, UTV, BBC Radio 5 Live

USA: Fubo (free trial), ViX, Fubo Sports Network 6

[Watch Croatia vs Scotland for free in the USA on Fubo]

After a tough opening loss to Portugal, Croatia bounced back with a strong performance, securing a 1-0 victory over Poland. The win keeps their hopes alive in the competition, as they aim for one of the top two spots. With momentum on their side, Croatia understands the importance of maintaining this winning form.

Scotland, meanwhile, finds themselves in a difficult position after dropping both of their first two matches. They know they need to turn things around quickly to avoid falling further behind. Facing a confident Croatian side on their home turf won’t be easy, but the Scots remain optimistic they can disrupt their opponent’s rhythm and make things competitive.

Croatia vs Scotland: Kick-Off Time in your country

Argentina: 1:00 PM

Australia: 2:00 AM (October 13)

Bangladesh: 10:00 PM

Canada: 12:00 PM

Croatia: 6:00 PM

France: 6:00 PM

Germany: 6:00 PM

India: 9:30 PM

Indonesia: 12:00 AM (October 13)

Ireland: 5:00 PM

Italy: 6:00 PM

Malaysia: 12:00 AM (October 13)

Mexico: 10:00 AM

Netherlands: 6:00 PM

Nigeria: 5:00 PM

Portugal: 5:00 PM

South Africa: 6:00 PM

Spain: 6:00 PM

UAE: 8:00 PM

UK: 5:00 PM

United States: 12:00 PM (ET)

Croatia vs Scotland: TV Channel and Live Streaming in your country

Source: Livesoccertv.com

Argentina: Disney+ Argentina, ESPN Argentina

Australia: Optus Sport

Bangladesh: tapmad, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD

Canada: DAZN Canada

Croatia: MAXtv To Go, Nova TV, MAX Sport 1

France: Molotov, Free, L’Équipe

Germany: DAZN Deutschland, DAZN1 Germany

India: JioTV, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD

International: UEFA.tv, YouTube, Sport 24

Ireland: STV Scotland, UTV

Mexico: Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico

Netherlands: Ziggo Sport

Nigeria: DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League Nigeria, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2

Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Match Player, Sport TV2

South Africa: DStv App, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2

United Arab Emirates: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports HD 1, beIN Sports English

UK: STV Player, STV Scotland, UTV

USA: Fubo (free trial), TUDN, Fox Sports, ViX

88 minutes into the game, the Al Nassr superstar came up clutch by capitalizing on a great cross from Nuno Mendes to send fans at Estadio Da Luz into a frenzy. That makes it two goals in two games for Ronaldo in this Nations League.

But more importantly, his goals proved crucial for Portugal to get off to a perfect start to the competition. Last week, Cristiano’s goal against Croatia made the difference for a 2-1 win.

This time, he showed up just in time to let his side pick up all three points once again. Thanks to Ronaldo, Portugal finish the September international break atop Group 1 of the League A with six points, three clear of Croatia and Poland, while Scotland are bottom with zero points.

Ronaldo comes off the bench to save the night for Portugal vs Scotland

Ronaldo started on the bench for Portugal against Scotland, but coach Roberto Martinez always planned to send him in at some point in the second half. In fact, Cristiano took the field at the start of the second half.

“Cristiano is our leader and he knows that it is very important to have a player like him to finish the game,” Martinez said before the game, and even though it was risky, his decision paid off as Ronaldo let Portugal finish the match strongly.

After the game, Martinez explained his decision to bench Ronaldo: “Cristiano can’t play two 90-minute games. We needed to have him at the end of the game and not from the start.”

The outlook wasn’t great when he came on, with Portugal trailing 1-0 as Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay gave Scotland the lead only seven minutes into the game.

Therefore, Cristiano’s entry was exactly what Portugal needed to turn things around. Bruno Fernandes made things level with a beautiful shot after 54′, paving the way for Ronaldo’s heroic winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo looking for 1000 goals

The 5x Ballon d’Or winner is already on his way to pursuing a historic 1000th career goal. CR7 is now 99 goals away from that milestone, and even though he’s not getting any younger, the striker will try and continue defying Father Time for as long as he can.