Five months after giving birth to her son Jamie in December, Claire Emslie is back where she belongs: on the Scotland women's football squad. The Angel City forward's recall for the final Women's World Cup qualifying double-header against Israel is a remarkable testament to her resilience—and to a changing landscape in professional sport where motherhood no longer means the end of an elite career.
Emslie made her return to club football on May 10, Mother's Day in the United States, marking her first appearance since May 9, 2025. Her most recent international outing came in April of last year, when Scotland suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat in Germany under then-coach Michael McArdle. Now, under current head coach Melissa Andreatta, she has earned her way back into the squad for matches that will take place at Budapest's Bozsik Arena on June 5 and June 9—both behind closed doors at the neutral Hungarian venue.
Emslie is not alone in her return journey. AC Milan captain Christy Grimshaw, sidelined for 13 months with an ACL and MCL tear, receives her first call-up under Andreatta after nearly two years away from international football. Meanwhile, uncapped defender Kenzie Weir, on loan at Ipswich Town from Everton, earns her first senior squad call after serving as a replacement in last month's selection. These three additions come as injured defenders Charlotte Newsham and Maria McAneny, along with Rangers teenager Mia McAulay, drop out of the squad.
Scotland arrives at these qualifying matches in a position of considerable strength. The team sits atop Group B4 on goal difference and has already secured their place in the playoffs later this year. They remain unbeaten in qualifying, a streak they will look to extend with victories over Israel in Budapest. The first match kicks off Friday, June 5 at 17:00 BST, followed by the final group game on Tuesday, June 9 at 18:00.
The Scottish FA offered little explanation for why Scotland's "home" match is not being played in Scotland itself, only noting that "the decision to play both matches at a neutral venue... is in line with the other teams in Group B4." The closed-door format at Bozsik Arena ensures the focus will remain squarely on the pitch, where a squad featuring talent from Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and top domestic clubs will be determined to finish their qualifying campaign on a high note.
For Emslie, this recall represents something deeper than a single return to international play. It signals that elite football is making room for athletes who choose motherhood—that the cost of taking time to have a child no longer has to be a permanent one. As she steps back into the Scotland set-up, she carries with her the quiet power of someone who has done something that matters more than any trophy: she has built a family. Now, she gets to chase glory too.