Scotland edge past Belgium to top Women's World Cup qualifiers in 2026

Caroline Weir scores seven goals in two games to help Scotland finish top of their qualifying group ahead of Belgium.

Weir shines as Scotland top group Melissa Andreatta admits Caroline Weir’s recent form makes it hard to avoid praising the Scotland captain, who has just scored seven goals in two matches over four days. Those goals proved crucial in securing Scotland’s top spot in the Women’s World Cup qualifying group, narrowly ahead of Belgium. A 5-1 victory over Israel in neutral Budapest kept Scotland one goal clear on goal difference despite Belgium’s seven-goal haul in Luxembourg. Weir added four more goals to her Friday hat-trick in the 6-0 demolition of Israel. ## Coach highlights team effort behind success When asked if Weir has once again proven herself as a superstar, Andreatta responded, 'Yes, but I don’t think she’ll like me talking too much about her. She’s quite humble.' 'She’d want me to talk about her team-mates and she is so well supported by the other leaders in the group. The squad of 25 all play their part. No part is small when our goal is so big, so I think it’s really been a squad effort.' 'There’s always a player that gives her that pass too and sets her up. She drives the standards, but she lifts others with her and that’s what I’m really pleased about.' ## Key goals ease pressure against Belgium Weir acknowledged Scotland’s reliance on her, particularly with Erin Cuthbert sidelined after a long-term knee injury sustained during the Friday match. 'I feel a lot of responsibility,' the 30-year-old told reporters. 'I feel responsibility in this squad as one of the more senior players, obviously, leading the team alongside other experienced players, of course.' 'Like I said to you the other day, it’s my dream to get to the World Cup. So I’m doing everything and anything to help the team by scoring goals and creating chances.' ## Focus remains on team performance Weir revealed the team stayed composed despite Belgium’s attacking pressure. 'To be fair, the team wasn’t that aware,' she said. 'I knew at half-time we were in a good position but kept it to myself.' 'And then, towards the end of the game, Mel told me the situation. But I think we were just focused on us.' 'It helped that we kept scoring in the second half. So that was keeping everyone kind of focused and, you know, not stressed.' ## Scotland celebrates qualification milestone Weir has yet to announce her club football future after Real Madrid teammates honored her following four seasons with the Spanish league runners-up. The first Scottish player nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin last year is expected to attract major interest. For now, she said, 'we can let our hair down for one night,' adding, 'a bit of break now and then we refocus for next season.' ## Play-offs await after group triumph Now qualified for the World Cup play-offs, Scotland sit 19th in the rankings, avoiding teams like Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. They will face one of Albania, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, or Turkey in October’s two-legged tie. A second play-off may await against a League A runner-up or third-placed side, with England and the Republic of Ireland among potential opponents. ## Weir eyes return of injured star Weir expressed hope that Cuthbert recovers in time for the play-offs. 'It is a massive loss for us,' she admitted. 'She’s such an integral player in the squad, not only on the pitch but off the pitch. She’s such a talent and such a leader.' 'So we missed her tonight. We’ll be hoping her rehab goes well and she’ll be back, hopefully, come the play-offs.' ## Captain proud of squad resilience Despite the absence of Cuthbert, Weir praised the team’s mentality. 'Not just how we’re scoring goals, but the ruthlessness, the mindset, the professionalism of the whole squad,' she said. Andreatta added that after a tense finish, the team fully deserves to 'draw a breath,' concluding, 'You’ve got to have a vision and you’ve got to have a dream and we’re living it.'