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Women's World Cup qualifying: Scotland to play Israel double header behind closed doors in Hungary

Scotland's Women's World Cup Qualifiers Against Israel Set for Hungary Behind Closed Doors

BBC Sport•
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Scotland's Women's World Cup qualifying matches against Israel will take place behind closed doors at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, Hungary next month. The double-header is part of the Group B4 campaign, and both matches will be crucial for securing Scotland's position in the play-offs later this year.

Match Schedule:

  • First Match: Friday, 5 June at 17:00 BST
  • Final Group Game: Tuesday, 9 June at 18:00 BST

The Scots, under the guidance of coach Melissa Andreatta, remain unbeaten and lead the group based on goal difference. The decision to host both matches in Hungary arises from Uefa's security measures, which prohibit games in Israel. Historically, Hungary has served as a neutral venue for both Israel's men's and women's teams.

In their last encounter, Scotland triumphed over Israel with a 5-0 victory in Budapest during the Euro 2025 qualifying. The previous match at Hampden ended in a 4-1 win for Scotland, although it was marred by a protest that delayed kick-off.

The Scottish FA has not clarified the rationale for choosing a neutral venue, only stating that it aligns with other teams in the group. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny regarding the political implications of the matches, especially following recent criticisms from former players regarding the moral considerations involved.

Despite the sensitive backdrop, the Scottish FA emphasized their obligation to fulfill fixtures as a member of Fifa and Uefa, stating that refusing to play could jeopardize the team's competitive future. They acknowledged the emotional weight of the ongoing conflict in Gaza while affirming their commitment to the sport.

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