Bolivia vs Scotland Prediction: Tartan Army to make light work of La Verde

With the 2026 World Cup now just days away, Scotland will continue their preparations for the tournament on Saturday when they face Bolivia in a friendly in New Jersey (3pm local/9pm BST, BBC Scotland/BBC Two).

The two teams will meet at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, but only one nation has something to look forward to this summer.

Team News

Bolivia coach Oscar Villegas has numerous selection issues to deal with, starting with Diego Medina and Dieguito Rodriguez, who cannot play after being refused US visas.

Moises Villarroel has left the squad to complete a move to CSKA Sofia, while Moises Paniagua and Ramiro Vaca have not been granted permission to travel by club Wydad Casablanca.

Hector Cuellar and Jesus Maraude are sidelined with injury, meaning Villegas has had to call up eight teenagers for the clash in New Jersey.

Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour suffered an injury during last week's 4-1 success over Curacao and will now miss the World Cup. His replacement, Tyler Fletcher, will hope to get some minutes under his belt.

After resting several key players against Curacao, manager Steve Clarke is expected to recall the likes of Scott McTominay and John McGinn.

Bolivia vs Scotland Odds

Bolivia are 6/1 to win, with the draw priced at 10/3 and Scotland are the 2/5 favourites.

Scotland to win both halves has been boosted from 2/1 to 5/2, while McGinn is 9/4 to score any time, boosted from 15/8.

Scotland to win to nil @ 5/4

The Tartan Army have conceded in seven successive games, last keeping a clean sheet in September 2025.

Bolivia may have scored in three consecutive matches, but their first-team injuries and absences will have a huge impact on the outcome of this tie.

Scotland should have more than enough firepower to score against La Verde, having bagged two or more goals in six of their last eight matches.

Bolivia conceded 35 goals in qualifying, more than any other team in CONMEBOL qualification, and Scotland should dominate from the outset.

Lawrence Shankland to score any time @ EVS

Striker Lawrence Shankland has joined Rangers since the Scottish Premiership concluded. He scored 16 goals as Hearts finished second and he will now hope to lead the line for Clarke's side this summer.

Shankland netted twice against Curacao last weekend and he has the ability to punish Bolivia's leaky defence.