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Bolivia are set to face Scotland, who will be competing in the upcoming World Cup, in an international friendly at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, 7 June 2026, at 04:00 WITA (Lombok time, NTB). This match will serve as Scotland’s final preparation before their first World Cup appearance since 1998, while Bolivia failed to qualify for the tournament.

Scotland come into this fixture after a 4-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curacao.

The island nation took the lead through Tahith Chong, but Scotland equalised just before halftime thanks to a goal from Findlay Curtis.

Two second-half goals from Lawrence Shankland and a penalty converted by Ryan Christie sealed a comfortable win for the Scots.

Scotland’s return to the World Cup sees them placed in Group C, where they will face Haiti (14 June), Morocco (20 June), and Brazil (25 June).

Meanwhile, Bolivia finished seventh in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group, earning a second chance through the intercontinental play-offs. However, they were defeated 2-1 by Iraq in the decisive match in March.

Since that loss, Bolivia have not played any matches and will aim to quickly erase those bitter memories. This friendly provides the perfect opportunity, but La Verde are expected to struggle against a motivated Scottish side eager to maintain momentum ahead of the World Cup.

Head-to-Head: Bolivia vs Scotland

• This will be a historic encounter as it marks the first-ever meeting between Bolivia and Scotland at the international level.
• Both teams will be looking to start their head-to-head record on a positive note.
• Scotland have previously participated in nine FIFA World Cup tournaments.
• According to the latest FIFA World Rankings, Scotland are currently ranked 43rd in the world, while Bolivia sit in 77th place.

Team News: Bolivia vs Scotland

Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to injury and has been replaced by Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, who impressed on his international debut against Curacao and is expected to feature again on Sunday.

His 19-year-old teammate Findlay Curtis, who scored his first international goal in the previous match, could earn his first senior start for Scotland. Rangers winger Ben Gannon-Doak is also likely to feature on the opposite flank.

Lawrence Shankland comes into this game in fine form after netting twice against Curacao. George Hirst, Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, and Ross Stewart provide additional attacking options, while midfield stalwarts Scott McTominay and John McGinn are expected to play a part in some capacity.

For Bolivia, Diego Medina and Dieguito Rodriguez are unavailable after their US visas were denied, while Moises Villarroel will also miss out as he finalises a move to Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia.

Additionally, Moises Paniagua and Ramiro Vaca have not yet received clearance from their Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca to join the national team, while Jesus Maraude and Hector Cuellar are sidelined with injuries.

As a result, coach Villegas has called up eight teenage players, including 16-year-old forward Nabil Nacif, who at 16 years and eight months could become Bolivia’s third-youngest ever international player, behind Mario Alborta (16 years, three months in 1926) and Paniagua (16 years, seven months in 2024).

Predicted Line-ups: Bolivia vs Scotland

Bolivia: Viscarra; Macazaga, Torrez, Haquin, Fernandez; Tome, E. Vaca, Melgar; Terceros, Centella, Nacif

Scotland: Gunn; Patterson, Hendry, McKenna, Tierney; Gannon-Doak, McLean, McTominay, Curtis; Shankland, Adams

Score Predictions: Bolivia vs Scotland

Sportskeeda Prediction

La Verde are expected to rely on their physicality and pace to trouble Scotland, although they often struggle to replicate their high-intensity performances away from the altitude of Bolivia.

Scotland, on the other hand, will likely employ a disciplined and structured defensive system while using their wing-backs to create attacking opportunities from wide areas.

With the World Cup on the horizon, Scotland may rotate several players to maintain fitness and avoid injuries, but they are still expected to secure a win.

Predicted Score: Bolivia 1-2 Scotland

Sportsmole Prediction

Scotland are considered favourites against a Bolivia side missing several key players.

Given the quality gap, manager Steve Clarke is expected to balance squad rotation with tactical adjustments, but the Tartan Army should still possess superior attacking power, making a comfortable win likely to conclude their World Cup preparations positively.

Predicted Score: Bolivia 0-2 Scotland

TribunLombok Prediction

Sportskeeda predicts a narrow 2-1 win for Scotland, while Sports Mole expects a 2-0 victory. Meanwhile, TribunLombok forecasts a more convincing 3-0 triumph for the Tartan Army.

This prediction is based on several key factors. Firstly, Scotland are in a strong rhythm heading into the 2026 World Cup. Their 4-1 win over Curacao showcased their attacking efficiency, particularly through the sharpness of Lawrence Shankland and the contributions of young talents like Findlay Curtis and Tyler Fletcher.

Secondly, Scotland’s squad depth and balance give them a significant advantage. The presence of experienced players such as Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, and Che Adams ensures competitiveness even with rotation. This contrasts sharply with a depleted Bolivian side.

La Verde are missing several key players due to visa issues, injuries, and transfer-related absences. Coach Antonio Carlos Zago has had to call up many young players, including 16-year-old forward Nabil Nacif. While promising for the future, Bolivia’s lack of international experience could prove costly against an intense and organised Scottish side.

Additionally, Bolivia will not have the altitude advantage of La Paz, as the match will take place in New Jersey, USA. On a neutral pitch, Scotland’s technical quality, tactical organisation, and squad depth are expected to prevail.

Motivation will also play a major role, with Scotland eager to maintain momentum before facing Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in their World Cup group stage. They are expected to approach this game seriously to build confidence.

Final TribunLombok Prediction: Bolivia 0-3 Scotland. Scotland are expected to dominate possession and score through a mix of key starters and squad players vying for a place in the final World Cup roster.