Squad Revamp Ahead of World Cup Campaign

Scotland manager Melissa Andreatta has injected new energy into her squad ahead of crucial 2027 World Cup preparations, handing 23-year-old American-based defender Georgia Brown her maiden senior call-up. The Sporting Club Jacksonville center-back replaces retired legend Rachel Corsie, bringing aerial dominance honed in the NWSL to October's friendlies against Morocco (24th) and Switzerland (28th).

Tactical Dress Rehearsal

Andreatta revealed the African-European double-header was strategically designed to simulate potential World Cup logistics:

• 8,500km round trip mimicking Brazil's tournament geography
• Climate adaptation testing in Casablanca's 24°C autumn heat
• Compact turnaround between matches (4 days)

"These fixtures let us stress-test our recovery protocols and positional rotations," the Australian tactician told BBC Sport. "When you're chasing tournament qualification, every percentage matters."

Pathway to Glory

The 26-player squad features:

Brown's Journey:

• Qualifies through Scottish grandparents
• 178 clearances in 2025 NWSL season (3rd among defenders)
• 92% pass accuracy in U23 EURO qualifiers

Manager's Blueprint

Andreatta emphasized developing "tournament mentality" through:

1. Expanded 26-player rotation system
2. Hybrid 3-5-2/4-4-2 formations
3. Set-piece specialization (15 goals conceded from dead balls in 2025)

"Morocco's physicality and Switzerland's technical game give us perfect preparation," said the former Matildas assistant coach. "We're building warriors, not just footballers."

Road to Brazil 2027

With World Cup qualifying beginning February 2026, Scotland aims to:

• Improve 2023 qualifying stats (58% duel success rate)
• Develop younger core (6 players under 25 in squad)
• Leverage Brown's set-piece threat (4 goals from CB in 2025)

Next month's friendlies will be streamed live on BBC Alba, with tactical analysis shows scheduled pre- and post-matches.