Why are Scotland playing Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium?

SCOTLAND continue their preparations for the World Cup against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday night.

The Scots were beaten 1-0 by Japan on Saturday but Steve Clarke has another friendly to find his best XI before travelling across the Atlantic this summer.

Everton v Chelsea - Premier League, Liverpool, United Kingdom - 21 Mar 2026
Everton’s Hill Dickinson hosts the gameCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Scotland v Japan - International Friendly
Scotland wanted to play an African side ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty

Scotland play Morocco in the group stage of the World Cup and Clarke was keen for his men to test themselves against another top African side before that huge game.

But bizarrely, this fixture will take place at Everton‘s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why are Scotland playing Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium?

Several factors led to them deciding to play the friendly in Liverpool.

Ivory Coast beat South Korea 4-0 on Saturday at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.

MAIN MEN

Ex-England star joins Jermain Defoe’s coaching staff for job at non-league Woking


CUP CHANGE

Major tournament gets shock expansion as chiefs introduce new annual competition

They were keen to remain in England for the rest of the international break to minimise travel.

Ivory Coast could lead the search for a venue as this is technically a home game for them.

Captain Franck Kessie, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, is the only member of the squad on the books of a club outside Europe.

Therefore chiefs decided it made more logistical sense to not fly players back to their homeland.

Additionally, Everton’s new ground has not hosted an international football match, with them keen to do so before it is used during Euro 2028.

The Hill Dickinson is approximately 5,000 miles away from Ivory Coast and 217 miles away from Hampden Park.

When is Scotland vs Ivory Coast?

  • The match begins at 19.30 BST.
  • Fans can tune in for FREE on BBC Two or stream on the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.

Source link

Related Posts

Load More Posts Loading...No More Posts.