Scotland Women's national team is set to face Israel in a crucial World Cup qualifying double-header next month, but fans will have to watch from afar as both matches will be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue in Hungary.
Melissa Andreatta's squad, currently sitting top of Group B4 with an unbeaten record and a spot in the play-offs already secured, will take on the Israelis at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest. The "home" and "away" ties are scheduled for Friday, 5 June at 17:00 BST and Tuesday, 9 June at 18:00 BST respectively.
UEFA has ruled that no matches in its competitions can be held in Israel due to security concerns, making Hungary the go-to neutral ground for the country's football teams. This isn't uncharted territory for Scotland's women—they previously defeated Israel 5-0 in Budapest during Euro 2025 qualifying. The reverse fixture at Hampden Park also saw a 4-1 victory, though it was played without spectators after a protester chained himself to a goalpost, delaying kick-off.
The Scottish FA has remained tight-lipped about why the "home" game isn't taking place in Scotland, simply stating that the decision aligns with the rest of Group B4. Israel has already played their opening four games—against Belgium and Luxembourg—behind closed doors at the Budaorsi Stadion, where Scotland also competed in 2024. This time, they'll return to the Bozsik Arena, the same venue where Israel faced Hungary in their Euro 2025 play-off.
For Scotland, this double-header represents a pivotal moment. Andreatta, who took over the reins after Scotland failed to qualify for a third consecutive major tournament, is aiming to guide the team back to the World Cup for the first time since 2019. The squad's current form suggests they're ready to make a statement on the international stage.
In related news, the Republic of Ireland's men's team faced a similar dilemma after being drawn against Israel in the Nations League. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) inquired about potential sanctions for refusing to play, only to be warned that disqualification could follow. They've since opted to proceed with the matches.
For Scotland's women, the focus remains on the pitch. With their play-off berth already secured, these games offer a chance to fine-tune their strategy and build momentum ahead of the next round. Whether they're playing in Budapest or at Hampden, the team's goal is clear: book that ticket to the World Cup.