Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Scotland’s final preparation match before their first World Cup appearance in 28 years takes place in New Jersey against Bolivia.
Steve Clarke’s side are just one game away from turning their focus entirely to the tournament opener against Haiti on June 14.
Scotland warmed up well at Hampden last Saturday, beating Cuaracao 4-1 after a first-half red card helped swing momentum back in their favour.
Bolivia will be familiar with the role of warm-up opposition, having missed out on World Cup qualification after losing a two-legged playoff against Iraq.
The match in New Jersey will be as much about acclimatising to the American heat and humidity as it will be about tactics or team selection.
Record Sport writer Scott McDermott believes Scotland can edge it, noting that Bolivia are capable of surprises after their 1-0 win over Brazil last year, but predicts a 2-1 Scotland victory.
Gavin Berry is less confident, warning that Bolivia are packed with youthful talent under coach Oscar Villegas, who transformed the nation’s fortunes after a disastrous 2024 Copa America, and predicts a 2-1 Bolivia win.
Graeme Young takes the most optimistic view, predicting a 3-1 Scotland win with in-form Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland eyeing further goals heading into the tournament.
Michael Gannon sees Bolivia as a decent but unspectacular test, predicting a narrow 2-1 Scotland win that would set the squad up nicely ahead of the World Cup opener.
Andy Newport notes that Bolivia have won just four games in the last year, and while they provided a respectable challenge, he sees the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Fraser Wilson agrees a draw is the most likely outcome, arguing the result matters far less than ensuring the squad is properly acclimatised for the conditions they will face throughout the tournament.
Ross Pilcher predicts a 2-2 draw, noting that Steve Clarke is unlikely to show his full hand tactically and that avoiding injuries and maintaining confidence will be the primary objectives in New Jersey.
The consensus across the Record Sport team is that Scotland must get through the match without any setbacks, with the real prize waiting in Boston against Haiti just days later.
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