LUXEMBOURG – Caroline Weir has officially embraced the mantle of captain for the Scotland Women’s National Team, a role she’s prepared to lead into the crucial 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign. The appointment, confirmed earlier this month, comes following the retirement of long-time captain Rachel Corsie and signals a new era for the national side under head coach Melissa Andreatta.
The 30-year-old Real Madrid midfielder expressed her immediate focus, stating, As soon it was New Year, I was thinking about my goals for this year and qualifying for the World Cup is top of the list so, yeah, This represents where it begins.
Weir’s determination is fueled not only by the opportunity to lead her country but also by a recognition of the limited chances that come with a career in professional sport. More determined than ever because I’m getting older and you don’t know how many more opportunities you’re going to have,
she admitted.
Weir isn’t new to leadership within the squad, having previously served as stand-in captain during Corsie’s tenure. However, this permanent appointment represents a significant milestone in her career. The emotional weight of the decision was palpable, as she shared, It was quite an emotional moment and one that I’m proud of, my family are very proud of.
The captaincy, she emphasized, is a responsibility she’s eager to embrace.
Andreatta clearly sees Weir as a pivotal figure in her plans for the team. For Mel to choose me as her captain, I’m hugely honoured, humbled, excited because it’s such an exciting time for the squad,
Weir said. The coach’s faith in Weir’s abilities is a testament to the midfielder’s consistent performance and influence both on and off the pitch.
Scotland’s qualification journey for the 2027 World Cup, to be held in Brazil, begins with a double-header against Luxembourg. The first match took place on Tuesday, February 24th, with the return leg scheduled for March 7th. These matches represent the opening salvo in a challenging qualification process. While the recent Nations League campaign proved disappointing, culminating in relegation from Nations League A after a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, Weir and the team are determined to build momentum and focus on the ultimate goal.
Despite the challenges of the Nations League, Scotland demonstrated resilience, securing a draw against the Netherlands and previously achieving positive results in friendlies against Ukraine and China, as well as victories over Morocco. Weir herself has been in good form, scoring in recent friendlies against Morocco and Switzerland. This consistent goal-scoring threat will be crucial as Scotland navigates the qualification path.
The appointment of Erin Cuthbert as vice-captain further strengthens the team’s leadership structure. Cuthbert, with 82 caps for Scotland, is a key player for both club and country, providing valuable experience and support to Weir. This pairing of experienced leaders is intended to foster a positive and focused environment within the squad.
Weir’s ambition extends beyond simply qualifying for the World Cup; she envisions leading Scotland to success on the world stage. [Leading Scotland at the World Cup] would be everything for me. There’s no higher honour,
she stated. This unwavering commitment to representing her country is a driving force behind her dedication and determination.
The significance of representing Scotland is not lost on Weir, who recognizes the broader impact of national team success. We love when our national teams do well in anything and we want to be part of that,
she said, highlighting the team’s desire to inspire and unite the nation.
Looking ahead, Weir is focused on building a strong team culture and maximizing the potential of the squad. There’s lots of things I want to achieve as captain and I guess it starts from this camp,
she noted. The initial stages of the qualification campaign against Luxembourg will be a crucial test of the team’s preparation and resolve.
The 2027 World Cup qualification represents a pivotal moment for Scottish women’s football. With a new captain at the helm and a determined squad, the team is poised to embark on a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey towards Brazil. Weir’s leadership, combined with the talent and experience within the squad, will be essential as Scotland strives to secure a place among the world’s elite.
