Scotland's Journey to the 2027 World Cup Begins
Head coach Melissa Andreatta aims to lead Scotland back to the Women's World Cup for the first time since 2019. The qualification campaign for Brazil 2027 kicks off with Scotland facing Belgium, Israel, and first up, Luxembourg.
Scotland competes in Group B4, where qualification is not as straightforward as simply topping the group to secure automatic qualification. Instead, the team must navigate play-offs to reach the finals.
The opening match against Luxembourg will be broadcast live on BBC , the app, and website. Andreatta has expressed confidence in her squad's determination.
"We are very driven and so determined to do whatever it takes to get there," said Andreatta.
BBC Scotland provides an overview of what lies ahead for Scotland in this qualification phase.
Qualification Pathway for Scotland
Scotland cannot qualify automatically for the World Cup due to their relegation from League A of the Nations League last year, placing them in League B, the second tier of qualifying.
Previously, when competing at this level en route to the Euro 2025 play-off final, Scotland remained unbeaten in a group containing Serbia, Slovakia, and Israel. The team aims to replicate similar success in the upcoming months, although Belgium, the pot one team in the group, is ranked eight places higher than Scotland in the FIFA rankings.
If Scotland avoids finishing last in the group, they will advance to the first round of the play-offs later this year. Winning the group would mean facing a runner-up or third-place team from another League B section in the first play-off round.
If Scotland finishes second or third, they will face a team that finished fourth in a League A group or a Group B winner. Should Scotland progress past the first round, the second round, starting in late November, is seeded and likely to pit Scotland against League A opposition.
Even if Scotland advances through these stages, the lowest-ranked of the eight European teams emerging from the play-offs will enter inter-confederation play-offs in February 2027, which could include Scotland depending on outcomes.
Group B4 Opponents
Luxembourg (3 March & 7 March)
Luxembourg, ranked 108th globally, represents the initial challenge and is considered the bottom seed in the group. Scotland is expected to secure maximum points against them.
The first encounter is scheduled for Tuesday night at 19:30 GMT, marking the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The return fixture will take place on Saturday at Hampden at 17:00, broadcast on BBC Alba.
Luxembourg, coached by Dan Santos, earned promotion to League B after an unbeaten Nations League group campaign against Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Liechtenstein.
Belgium (14 April & 18 April)
The matches against Belgium are anticipated to be decisive for Scotland's qualification hopes. Historically, Scotland and Belgium have met 13 times, with Scotland winning five, drawing three, and losing five.
The most recent encounters occurred in Nations League A, both ending in 1-1 draws in September 2023 at Hampden and three months later in Leuven.
Belgium, currently in League B following a play-off defeat by the Republic of Ireland, will host Scotland at Den Dreef after the Scots visit Easter Road.
Israel (5 June & 9 June)
Scotland will face Israel, ranked 69th worldwide, twice. The teams last met in June 2024, with Scotland winning 5-0 in a neutral venue in Hungary, following a 4-1 victory at Hampden the previous month.
Scotland has won all four previous meetings against Israel. The venues for the upcoming fixtures are yet to be confirmed.
Statements from the Scotland Camp
Head coach Melissa Andreatta shared insights about the team's mindset and support received.
"We had a nice message from Steve Clarke wishing us well for this campaign and he said there's something special about the Scottish way.
Like the boys, we have a very driven group and they're so determined to do whatever it takes to get there.
There's always a great story in this - it's not about the setback, it's the comeback. That's what the players are focused on but it all starts with the most important moment and that's Tuesday night."
Scotland captain Caroline Weir expressed her enthusiasm and determination to qualify.
"It's a fresh feel, it's really exciting.
It does feel different within the squad and I'm so excited to get going. I think we're ready to go and hopefully we start strongly this week.
I would say I'm borderline desperate to be at the World Cup because I want it more than ever.
I really want to be there with this team and staff. I can't really say there's anything else that I want to achieve apart from getting to that World Cup."
