Scotland Vs Japan Highlights, International Friendly 2026: Junya Ito Hands Samurai Blue Late Win Over Tartan Army

Hey everyone! We’re back with another live blog, and tonight it’s Scotland taking on Japan in an International Friendly 2026. Grab your snacks, settle in, and stay tuned for all the action as it unfolds.

Fans in India can catch the Scotland vs Japan international friendly live on the SonyLIV app and website, with TV coverage on Sony TEN 1.

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland, BBC Sport Web, and BBC iPlayer. Viewers in Japan can tune in via NHK G TV and U-NEXT.

Scotland and Japan have faced each other twice in international football, both of which were friendly matches. The first game in 2006 ended in a goalless draw, and the next match three years later ended in a 2-0 win for the Japanese.

Scotland have almost their strongest possible side available, with only Bournemouth midfielder Ben Gannon-Doak missing out due to a serious hamstring injury. Meanwhile, both McTominay and John McGinn have recovered from recent injury issues, as has Nathan Patterson.

Japan have more injury problems, with Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino, and captain Wataru Endo all missing out. There are also questions about the fitness of Tomoya Ando, who had a muscle issue earlier. However, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is back to full fitness after recovering from a hand injury.

And we’re off! Scotland and Japan are underway at Hampden Park. The Tartan Army are buzzing in the stands, and the Samurai Blue are already looking sharp.

The ball drops perfectly for Daizen Maeda on the left side of the box… but oh no! The Celtic forward completely shanks it, and it trickles straight to Angus Gunn.

Phew! That was a wee bit of a let-off for Scotland, Maeda was inches away from making the Tartan Army sweat.

Watanabe gets pinged in the centre circle for a cheeky shove on Dykes as they went up for a high ball. Tartan Army get a chance to set something up from the middle, let’s see if they can make it count.

Patterson sprays a poor ball upfield, and Japan pounce on the turnover. The Tartan Army breathe a sigh of relief as Tanaka overhits his pass to release Ito down the left, goal kick Scotland. That was dangerously close.

Ito fires a long ball down the left towards Maeda. Patterson tries to hook it clear but slips, leaving Maeda in trouble, but luck is on the Tartan Army’s side. The ball bounces off Maeda’s back, and Patterson springs up to recover and clear. A bit of a rollercoaster for him so far.

Japan are piling it on now. They win a corner on the right, and the ball is floated in for Seko, who looks set to score from close range. But McLean is alert, heads it behind, and Gunn gathers the next corner. Scotland really need to wake up before the Samurai Blue break through.

Almost 40 minutes gone, and Scotland have barely threatened—just one touch in the Japan box so far. The Tartan Army need to find a spark before halftime.

Robertson pushes forward down the left but completely mishits the cross, sending it out for a goal kick. Just not happening for the Tartan Army in attack right now.

It’s goalless at Hampden Park. Scotland had the best chance of the half, but Zion Suzuki pulled off a fine save to keep it out. Apart from that, it’s been mostly Japan in control, plenty of corners, plenty of pressure, just no real breakthrough yet.

Scotland get us going again for the second half. Japan waste no time shaking things up, making three changes, Mitoma, Taniguchi, and Junnosuke Suzuki are on, replacing Hiroki Ito, Kodai Sano, and Watanabe. Fresh legs for the Samurai Blue as they look to take control.

Scotland make a double switch with Dykes and McGinn coming off for Hirst and Christie. Moments later, Mitoma drives down the left and is brought down by Ferguson, giving Japan a free-kick.

From the set-piece, Ferguson heads it behind under pressure, but he didn’t need to. Had he left it, Scotland would’ve had a goal kick. A bit of a nervy moment there.

Scotland win a free-kick on the left after a foul on Hirst. Christie swings it in, but Nakamura is there to head it clear. A decent chance, but Japan deal with it well.

And there it is, Japan finally break through. A low cross comes in from the left, perfectly cushioned into the path of Junya Ito. He takes a touch, sends Gunn the wrong way, and calmly slots it into the bottom corner.

It’s a really neat move, and on the balance of play, the Samurai Blue fully deserve this lead.

We’re into the final stretch, and there will be three minutes of added time. Scotland are running out of moments to find an equaliser.

That’s a wrap. Japan edge past Scotland 1-0 thanks to Junya Ito’s late strike, capping a game where they looked the sharper side throughout. We’ll be back soon with another live blog, until then, take care and see you next time.