Scotland beat Czech Republic to reach Sweden World Cup play-off

Scotland advanced to a Women's World Cup play-off against Sweden after beating the Czech Republic 3-2 in Paisley, completing a 5-2 aggregate victory. BBC Sport reported that Melissa Andreatta's team twice recovered from falling behind in the second leg, with Lauren Davidson scoring their first equaliser after captain Caroline Weir was forced out during the warm-up.

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Weir's withdrawal required a change to Scotland's plans before kick-off. Davidson played centrally alongside Kathleen McGovern following a formation adjustment, rather than operating on the wing. The Brann forward controlled the ball and created room to shoot for her equaliser, registering her fourth international goal and her third of 2026. McGovern went on to score Scotland's second goal of the evening.

Erin Cuthbert entered at half-time for only her second appearance of the season. The Chelsea captain praised Davidson's performance in comments to BBC Scotland, highlighting her ability to create chances when given possession. Davidson has now started Scotland's past five matches, with the second-leg victory continuing a run in which she has been used both centrally and in wide positions.

The extent of Weir's injury remained unclear after the game. Andreatta described the decision to withdraw her as precautionary, according to the BBC, while Cuthbert expressed concern and hoped her teammate would be available for Sweden. Scotland had also relied on Weir in the first leg, when she and Claire Emslie scored in a victory that gave the team a two-goal advantage before the return match.

Davidson's international contribution comes during another strong league campaign in Norway. Brann held a 10-point lead after 18 matches, the BBC reported, with the forward having also won the title last season. Her contract expires in December. Speaking after the match, she said she had enjoyed her first move away from home and felt that choosing Norway had been the right step.

Scotland will host Sweden at St Mirren's ground on 1 December before travelling to Stockholm for the return leg four days later. A place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is at stake. Sweden reached the semi-finals at each of the previous two World Cups, while Scotland have secured their opportunity to face them despite Weir's absence in Paisley.