Quick Read
- Hill Dickinson Stadium will host its first senior men’s international football fixture on March 31, 2026.
- The match will feature World Cup-qualified nations Côte d’Ivoire and Scotland.
- This game is a key part of both teams’ preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.
- The 52,769-capacity stadium, home to Everton FC, opened in August 2025.
- Tickets for the match are priced from £27 for adults and £16 for Under-16s.
LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – Hill Dickinson Stadium, the new home of Everton FC, is poised to host its first senior men’s international football fixture on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a significant milestone as Côte d’Ivoire and Scotland clash in a pivotal warm-up match ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The 52,769-capacity waterfront stadium, which opened in August 2025, will welcome two nations that have successfully qualified for the prestigious global tournament, with the game forming a key part of Pitch International’s ‘Road to 26’ international series. This historic encounter not only marks the stadium’s debut on the international stage but also serves as a crucial fine-tuning opportunity for both teams as they finalize their preparations for the tournament in North America.
A Landmark Event for Liverpool’s New Venue
Since its opening, Hill Dickinson Stadium has rapidly established itself as a premier sporting venue. Beyond hosting Everton’s Premier League matches, it has already demonstrated its capability for major events, including a sold-out Rugby League Ashes fixture between England and Australia last November. The stadium is also slated to host Rugby League’s Magic Weekend in July and is designated as a key venue for UEFA EURO 2028, with further major events anticipated to be announced soon.
Angus Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer at Everton Football Club, emphasized the significance of the upcoming match. “Hosting our first senior men’s international fixture is an important milestone for Hill Dickinson Stadium and underlines its credentials as a world-class venue for major sporting occasions,” Kinnear stated. “To stage the first-ever meeting between Scotland and Ivory Coast is a fitting moment, and we look forward to welcoming two World Cup-qualified nations and their supporters to Liverpool’s waterfront for what promises to be a special night of international football.”
World Cup Aspirations and Preparations
Both Côte d’Ivoire and Scotland are making their return to the FIFA World Cup stage after considerable absences. Côte d’Ivoire, three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, are back for the first time in 12 years following an impressive unbeaten qualifying campaign. Scotland, under Head Coach Steve Clarke, dramatically secured their spot, ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup Finals appearance with a decisive victory over Denmark. This match will be their first-ever meeting.
Supporters attending the match can expect to see several familiar names in action. The Scotland squad is likely to feature players such as Everton’s Nathan Patterson, Napoli’s Scott McTominay, and Aston Villa’s John McGinn. For Côte d’Ivoire, key figures like Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand, and former Crystal Palace captain Wilfried Zaha are expected to participate.
Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke expressed his anticipation for the fixture. “We’re pleased to confirm Côte d’Ivoire as our second opponents for the March international window, following on from Japan’s visit to Glasgow,” Clarke confirmed. “We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I’m sure Côte d’Ivoire will give us a really stern test. It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy the opportunity to visit the new stadium.”
Côte d’Ivoire Head Coach Emerse Faé, who represented his nation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, echoed this sentiment. “Coming to Liverpool to face Scotland will be an excellent test for us against European opposition ahead of the FIFA World Cup,” Faé added. “It is a great opportunity to measure our level against players from top clubs, many of whom we know well from the Premier League. We are very happy to play this friendly in such a fantastic atmosphere, in a wonderful stadium, in front of passionate Scottish fans. We are really excited to be there.”
Ticketing and Broader World Cup Schedule
Ticket information has been released, with prices starting from £27 for Adults and £16 for Under-16s, plus booking fees. Everton Season Ticket Members, Premium Members, and Forever Blue+ Members will receive priority access to tickets before the general sale. Premium Members will also have the option to purchase various premium experiences via Seat Unique, starting from £120, subject to availability. Further details on the sales process and timings are expected to be confirmed next week.
For Scotland, this match is part of a broader series of pre-World Cup friendlies. They will host Japan in Glasgow three days prior to the Côte d’Ivoire fixture and are also scheduled to play Curacao in Glasgow on May 30. Their World Cup group stage will see them open against Haiti in Boston on June 14, followed by matches against Morocco and Brazil. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, will face Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao in their World Cup group.
The staging of such a high-profile international fixture so early in its operational life solidifies Hill Dickinson Stadium’s reputation as a top-tier venue, demonstrating its readiness to host major global sporting events beyond domestic club football.