Kenzie Weir Earns First Scotland Call-Up for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
Kenzie Weir has been handed her first senior call-up to the Scotland women’s national team ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Belgium. The 22-year-old Everton centre-back, currently on loan at Ipswich Town, steps in after Rangers defender Leah Eddie withdrew from the squad.
This marks a significant milestone for Weir, whose footballing pedigree includes being the daughter of legendary Scottish defender David Weir. She hasn’t represented Scotland since earning her 11th cap at Under-19 level back in February 2023 but has now been fast-tracked from the recent Under-23 squad that played in Spain.
New Faces in a High-Stakes Campaign
Weir isn’t the only fresh addition. Rangers midfielder Jodi McLeary has also been promoted to the senior setup, replacing Celtic’s Maria McAneny, who missed her club’s heavy 3-0 derby loss to Rangers earlier this week. McLeary, just 20, filled in at right-back during that match—a tactical shift that helped Rangers climb to second in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
Both Weir and McLeary come with youth international experience but are yet to make their senior debuts. Their inclusion signals head coach Melissa Andreatta’s willingness to blend emerging talent with established names as Scotland aims to maintain its perfect start in Group B4.
Scotland currently sits atop the group on goal difference after comfortably beating Luxembourg, while Belgium mirrored that result with a win over Israel. With both teams undefeated, these back-to-back fixtures could define who gains control of the qualification race.
Squad Depth and Tactical Flexibility
The full Scotland squad features a mix of domestic and international-based players:
- Goalkeepers: Cumings (Manchester City), Gibson (Glasgow City), MacIver (Washington Spirit)
- Defenders: Brown (Jacksonville), Clark (Liverpool), Docherty (Rangers), Howard (Como), Lawton (Celtic), Newsham (Charlton Athletic), McLauchlan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Muir (Glasgow City), Weir (Everton, on loan at Ipswich Town)
- Midfielders: Cornet (Birmingham City), Cuthbert (Chelsea), Davidson (Brann), McAuley (Rangers), Maclean (Liverpool), McLeary (Rangers), Taylor (Aston Villa), Weir (Real Madrid)
- Forwards: Adams (Hibernian), Gregory (Newcastle United), Hanson (Aston Villa), Howat (Crystal Palace), McGovern (Hibernian)
Notably, two players share the surname Weir—but they’re unrelated. Kenzie Weir (defender) and the Real Madrid-based midfielder Weir add distinct dimensions to the squad’s structure.
Andreatta appears to be prioritizing versatility. McLeary’s recent deployment at right-back—even though she’s a midfielder—shows the coaching staff values adaptability, especially with tight turnaround between the two Belgium games.
What This Means for Scotland’s Chances
Adding Weir bolsters defensive options at a critical time. Her physical presence and reading of the game could prove vital against a Belgian side that’s shown attacking intent in early qualifiers. While she may not start immediately, her inclusion provides cover and competition in central defence—a position where consistency has sometimes eluded Scotland in past campaigns.
McLeary’s promotion offers similar flexibility. If needed, she can slot into wide or deeper roles depending on in-game dynamics. That kind of utility is invaluable across a four-day fixture window.
The matches themselves carry major stakes:
- First leg: Tuesday, 14 April 2026 at Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh
- Return leg: Saturday, 18 April 2026 at Den Dreef Stadium, Leuven
Winning either game would give Scotland a decisive edge in the group. A draw in both might keep things level, but dropping points could open the door for Belgium.
Key Takeaways
- Kenzie Weir receives her first senior Scotland call-up, replacing injured/withdrawn defender Leah Eddie.
- Jodi McLeary also earns a maiden senior spot after strong club performances, despite playing out of position.
- Both players come from the recent U23 setup and bring fresh energy to a squad leading its World Cup qualifying group.
- Scotland faces Belgium in two crucial matches that could determine qualification trajectory.
- Defensive depth and tactical flexibility appear central to Andreatta’s strategy for this double-header.
While neither Weir nor McLeary is guaranteed a starting role, their presence reflects a proactive approach by the coaching staff—preparing for multiple scenarios rather than relying solely on incumbents. For fans, it’s an exciting glimpse into the next generation of Scottish talent stepping onto the international stage when it matters most.
— Editorial Team
