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Scotland and Japan continue their World Cup 2026 preparations when meeting in a glamour friendly at Hampden on Saturday from 17:00 GMT. The famous Glasgow venue will be packed, with millions more following the action live on TV. Will Steve Clarke lead his team to a first-ever win over Samurai Blue? The Tartan Army certainly hope so.
The visitors aim to mark their first meeting with Scotland at Hampden with victory. The history books show these nations have met only twice before, both in friendlies. They served up a goalless draw 20 years ago at Saitama, before Japan won 2-0 three years later. The second meeting was on course for another draw, before goals in the 82nd and 90th minutes.
Scotland have waited 17 years for their revenge, but will they get it at Mount Florida? The major online bookmakers featured on this page offer a long list of pre-match betting markets. You can predict the winner, call the correct score or play the totals. Need a little help finding the value? Flashscore's Glasgow-based writer Frank Monkhouse offers his Scotland v Japan predictions.
Scotland v Japan tips
Both teams to score @ 5/6 (bet365)
Maeda to score or assist @ 6/5 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Both teams to score - yes
My first Scotland v Japan prediction is for both teams to score. You'll find this wager available on the bet365 app. Open the fixture, browse the markets, select both teams to score, and tap on the odds attached to Yes. Visit your bet slip, input a stake, check and confirm. Your wager is now live, and a cash-out offer will appear.
Followers aren't interested in which team wins or who scores the goals. As long as Scotland and Japan find the net at least once each, you'll make a profit. It's a bet that keeps you engaged throughout the match. The stats also suggest we'll enjoy a run for our money. A bet on BTTS landed in each of Scotland's last four games, including three played at Hampden.
In that four-match run, Scotland beat Greece 3-1 and Belarus 2-1 in October. They then lost 3-2 in Greece, before hammering Denmark 4-2 at this stadium. The latter secured Scotland's place at the World Cup 2026 in style. Need a little more convincing? Both teams scored in half of Japan's last four. They drew 2-2 with Paraguay and beat Brazil 3-2 in friendlies.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 5/6 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Both Scotland and Japan must score at least once each.
Double chance - Japan or draw
Moving to my second Scotland v Japan prediction worth your attention, and we're picking sides. Members of the Tartan Army won't be best pleased, but we're picking Hajime Moriyasu's men to avoid defeat. Taking Japan or draw in the double chance market offers protection, with either a level finish or another Japanese win boosting your betting balance.
Remember Japan's unbeaten record against the Scots? Now, let's look at how they've been performing in recent appearances. Japan finished 2025 in form, unbeaten in four games, including victory in their last three. They drew 2-2 with Paraguay, beat Brazil 3-2, brushed past Ghana with a 2-0 result, and rounded things off with a useful 3-0 win over Bolivia.
Beating Scotland in Glasgow will prove a tougher task than playing Bolivia in Tokyo. The locals arrive in good shape and take confidence from their recent wins, especially that stunning performance against the Danes. The hosts must be at their best to defeat Japan, but Clarke's men aren't at full strength, with the boss still deciding on his best line-up.
Tip: Japan or draw @ 3/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Japan must avoid defeat in Glasgow on Saturday.
Score or assist - Daizen Maeda
I wrap things up with a third bet that offers followers a shot at higher odds. We're backing Celtic's Daizen Maeda to score or assist. The 28-year-old attacker from Osaka is no stranger to performing at the national stadium for the Scottish Premiership champions. Maeda has scored eight goals for the Hoops this term, with five of those coming in Glasgow.
Focusing on Daizen's form at this venue, we see he netted a double when Celtic thrashed St Johnstone here last April. The energetic attacker also helped himself to a hat-trick when Celtic destroyed Aberdeen 6-0 in the 2024 Scottish League Cup. The pitch suits his high-paced and pressing style of play. If he starts, Maeda will get chances to build on those impressive numbers.
When choosing to follow this pick, you're backing Maeda to find the net or provide an assist for a teammate at any stage of the contest. A wonder goal scored in the opening 60 seconds of play pays the same as our pick setting up a Japan tap-in with seconds remaining on the clock. Your gamble is live for the entire time Maeda is on the field of play.
Tip: Maeda to score or assist @ 6/5 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Daizen Maeda to score or provide an assist against Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday.
Scotland v Japan odds
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.