Scotland vs Curacao Predictions
Scotland will be desperate for a positive result on Saturday, and they should have too much quality for their Caribbean visitors.
A home win with at least two goals is my preferred pick at Hampden.
Home Win Likely
- Scotland won 3 of their last 4 home matches
- Scotland scored 2+ goals in 3 of their last 4 home matches
- Curacao lost their last 8 matches (International friendlies)
- Curacao conceded 2+ goals in their last 8 matches (International friendlies)
Scotland and Curacao Set For First-Ever Encounter
Scotland and Curacao will meet for the first time at Hampden Park.
Scotland Look for Rare Friendly Win
Scotland face their final Hampden friendly fixture of the season after a frustrating pair of 1-0 defeats in March. The Scots slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Japan at Hampden Park before falling to the Ivory Coast by the same scoreline at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Steve Clarke’s side secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a remarkable 4-2 win against Denmark in their final qualifying fixture. Goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean secured a famous win at Hampden Park.
The Scots produced some excellent results in their UEFA Group C qualifying campaign. Clarke’s boys won four and lost just one of six matches against Denmark, Greece and Belarus.
Despite some inconsistent displays, Scotland secured victories in three of their last four games at Hampden, including a 3-1 win against Greece before their remarkable triumph against the Danes last November.
A dire friendly record has been a major issue for Scotland over a number of years. The hosts failed to win 16 of 19 friendly fixtures since 2018, while they have not won a non-competitive match at Hampden since a 1-0 win against Denmark ten years ago.
Advocaat Returns to Curacao
Curacao arrive at Hampden Park looking for a much-improved performance after a pair of back-to-back friendly defeats in March. The Blue Wave suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat against China before being overwhelmed in a 5-1 reversal against Australia.
Those defeats prompted another change in the Curacao coaching staff. Former boss Dick Advocaat stepped down as manager in early 2026 to care for his seriously ill daughter, with Fred Rutten appointed as his replacement ahead of the World Cup.
Following those poor results under Rutten and improvements in his daughter’s condition, Advocaat has since returned to lead Curacao into their first-ever World Cup finals appearance this summer.
The Caribbean side proved much tougher to beat under the former Rangers manager. Advocaat’s Curacao lost just one of 11 matches over a 12-month period before their March friendly defeats.
Known as the Blue Wave, the 82nd-ranked nation are set to face British opposition for the first time in their history.
Squads and Team News
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly.
Defenders: Andy Robertson, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, John Souttar, Aaron Hickey, Dominic Hyam.
Midfielders: John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Doak, Findlay Curtis.
Forwards: Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland, George Hirst, Ross Stewart.
Head coach Clarke has a 26-man squad available for Scotland’s send-off fixture this weekend.
The experienced boss is unlikely to make too many alterations to the Scots strongest XI, with Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson and Che Adams among the regulars likely to start.
Ben Doak, Craig Gordon and Ryan Christie are among those looking for minutes after inactive spells at the end of their domestic campaigns.
Clarke, who signed a new four-year contract to remain as Scotland boss until 2030, spoke of his pride at leading his nation in the USA and this summer.
"I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men's World Cup in 28 years, and it is a privilege to continue in this role," said Clarke.
"I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group.
"It's very important to look ahead and, while my squad will be doing everything to make the country proud in the America this summer, it also gives us certainty knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long term."
Curacao Squad
Goalkeepers: Eloy Room, Trevor Doornbusch, Tyrick Bodak.
Defenders: Jurien Gaari, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Joshua Brenet, Shurandy Sambo, Armando Obispo, Riechedly Bazoer, Deveron Fonville.
Midfielders: Leandro Bacuna, Juninho Bacuna, Godfried Roemeratoe, Kevin Felida, Livano Comenencia, Ar'jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin.
Forwards: Kenji Gorre, Brandley Kuwas, Gervane Kastaneer, Jeremy Antonisse, Jearl Margaritha, Jurgen Locadia, Sontje Hansen, Tahith Chong.
Veteran boss Advocaat has 27 players available for Curacao’s trip to Hampden Park this weekend. Sheffield United forward Tahith Chong is one of 25 European-based players in the selection.
NEC defender Deveron Fonville is the only uncapped player included in the Curacao pool.
Looking ahead to Curacao’s first-ever World Cup appearance in June, Advocaat believes that the tournament newcomers could pull off a surprise against Germany in their opener.
"It's something special for us to be there. Playing against players you see on TV, who play in the top leagues. Anyone can surprise. Why not Curacao? That's what we'll try to do," said the 78-year-old.