Scotland women to meet Israel in closed-door Hungary games June 2026

Scotland's women's team will face Israel in two World Cup qualifiers in Budapest behind closed doors next month.

Scotland's Hungary double-header Scotland's women's national team will conclude their Group B4 World Cup qualifying campaign with two matches against Israel in Budapest next month. Both games will be played behind closed doors at the Bozsik Arena. The Scots, managed by Melissa Andreatta, remain unbeaten in the group and currently lead on goal difference with a place in this year's play-offs already secured. The first match is scheduled for Friday, 5 June at 17:00 BST, followed by the second game on Tuesday, 9 June at 18:00. ## Why Hungary hosts both fixtures European football's governing body, Uefa, has prohibited all Israel matches in their competitions from taking place inside Israel due to security concerns. As a result, Hungary has become the primary home venue for both Israel's men's and women's teams in European competitions. When Scotland previously faced Israel in Euro 2025 qualifying, they won 5-0 in Budapest, while their Hampden return was played without fans after a protester delayed kickoff by chaining himself to a goalpost. ## Scottish FA's decision explained The Scottish Football Association has not provided further reasons for selecting a neutral venue in Hungary beyond stating that this approach aligns with the decisions made by other teams in Group B4. Israel's first four games in the group were played behind closed doors at the Budaorsi Stadion, where Scotland also competed in 2024. Scotland's next matches will return to the Bozsik Arena, where Israel faced Hungary in the opening round one play-off for Euro 2025. ## Scotland's World Cup qualification hopes This double-header marks Scotland's final two fixtures in their World Cup qualifying group, with Australia's Melissa Andreatta aiming to guide the team to their first World Cup appearance since 2019. The nation has failed to qualify for three major tournaments in succession, and these matches present their last opportunity to secure a playoff spot. Andreatta's side currently sit top of Group B4 on goal difference. ## Potential boycott considerations After the Republic of Ireland men's team were drawn to face Israel in the Nations League this autumn, the Football Association of Ireland sought clarification from Uefa regarding possible sanctions for refusing to fulfill fixtures. They were informed disqualification could be a consequence, prompting them to proceed with the matches. Former international James McClean later criticized the FAI for lacking 'backbone' over the decision. The Scottish FA did not respond to new requests for comment on their choice to play the games. ## Scottish FA's official stance In an official statement to media in November, the Scottish FA emphasized that refusing to play would result in forfeiture and harm the prospects of the women's national team. They acknowledged the suffering in Gaza and recognized the moral urgency expressed by supporters and campaigners. At the same time, they noted their obligation as a national association under FIFA and UEFA statutes. 'Member associations do not have unilateral discretion to choose who they will or will not play against, which is why we are obliged to fulfil our fixtures.'