Scotland thrash Bolivia in World Cup warm-up game as four first-half goals spark hopes ahead of tournament with Che Adams scoring twice in romp

Scotland completed their 2026 World Cup preparations in fine style as four unanswered first-half goals secured an impressive 4-0 victory over Bolivia in New Jersey.

Head coach Steve Clarke can look forward to the country's long-awaited return to the tournament with growing confidence after another commanding victory, a week on from overcoming Curacao 4-1 at Hampden Park.

Playing in hot and humid conditions, Clarke's side produced an impressive first-half display, with Lawrence Shankland opening the scoring before setting up Scott McTominay for Scotland's second. Che Adams then struck twice before the interval to complete a dominant performance.

Clarke made a host of changes after the interval but watched his side remain firmly in control to see out the game without any injury concerns following the setback to Billy Gilmour last weekend.

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The result provides further encouragement before next Saturday's opening World Cup fixture against Haiti in Foxborough, which will mark Scotland's first appearance at the tournament since 1998.

While Bolivia's status as the world's 76th-ranked side - compared with Scotland's position of 43rd - offers some context, the manner of the victory will only strengthen belief within the squad and among the travelling support.

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Shankland told the BBC: "It was a good performance from everybody, important to get a win going into the tournament in our last game before the real stuff starts.

"There was a lot of good defensive stuff as well, and getting used to the conditions too and with a good performance, so we can be pleased.

"Today was our [alongside Che Adams] first time together from the start, and it worked well at times, both on the scoresheet with Che getting a double, so we can be pleased.

"All you can do when you get the opoortunity is put your best foot forward and give the manager a decision to make when he's picking his team.

"We've got a really good group, a lot of togetherness in there, no matter who is picked, we will all be ready."

Scotland needed just five minutes to take the lead as Andy Robertson and Ryan Christie combined neatly down the left before the captain delivered a cross to the far post, where Shankland rose highest to power a header beyond Guillermo Viscarra.

The Bolivia goalkeeper was called into action again shortly afterwards, spilling an effort from Adams before recovering as his defence scrambled clear.

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Scotland continued to threaten and almost doubled their advantage when Adams latched onto a pass from Shankland, only to fire narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Bolivia's resistance was eventually broken again midway through the first half when Shankland teed up McTominay on the edge of the area and the Napoli midfielder drilled a precise low finish beyond Viscarra.

Scotland tightened their grip on the contest after the scheduled water break. Aaron Hickey sparked the move before finding Ben Gannon-Doak, whose cross was confidently converted by Adams to make it 3-0.

The Scots continued to create openings, with Viscarra forced into a smart save from Gannon-Doak's fierce effort before Robertson headed over from close range.

Scott McTominay celebrates scoring with team-mate Grant Hanley

Image credit: Getty Images

A fourth goal arrived just before half-time following another incisive run from Gannon-Doak. The winger surged forward from deep and picked out Adams, whose initial effort was blocked before he reacted quickest to fire the loose ball into the net from 16 yards.

Clarke freshened his side after the interval, introducing John McGinn and Kieran Tierney for Christie and Robertson respectively - and his side almost added a fifth moments later when McTominay's header from a McGinn corner was inadvertently blocked by team-mate Jack Hendry.

Bolivia showed greater attacking intent after the break but Scotland remained organised and dangerous on the counterattack as they comfortably saw out another encouraging victory.

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