Scotland Futsal National Team at Futsal Week January Cup

The Scotland Futsal National Team returned to international action in January with their first-ever appearance at the Futsal Week January Cup, held in Labin, Croatia. The tournament marked an important step for the national programme, offering competitive fixtures against strong international opposition after a period with limited international matches.

Futsal Week is an established international tournament now in its 11th year, bringing together national teams from across Europe and beyond, and providing an ideal environment for development, exposure, and learning at elite level.

Logo of Futsal Week / @FutsalWeek

What Is Futsal Week?

Futsal Week is an annual international futsal tournament organised in Croatia, designed to bring together national teams, professional clubs, and emerging futsal nations in a competitive but development-focused environment. Founded by futsal specialists and organisers with over a decade of experience, the event has become a respected fixture in the international futsal calendar.

For Scotland, the January Cup provided an opportunity to test themselves against higher-ranked opposition, gain valuable minutes on court, and accelerate the development of a young and evolving national squad.

Scotland Futsal National Team Squad and Tournament Context

Scotland travelled to Croatia with a youthful squad, underlining the long-term development focus of the national futsal programme. Head Coach Gordon McGillivray named several uncapped players for the tournament, reflecting a commitment to building experience ahead of future competitive cycles.

Prior to the tournament, captain Kyle Ballingall was forced to withdraw due to injury. His place was taken by Callum Husband (Futsal Escocia), who received his first senior call-up. He joined fellow uncapped players Noah Lucas (Sala Futsal), Jamie Bell (PYF Saltires), and Ellis Stevenson (Joga Futsal) in the squad.

Scotland vs Morocco

Scotland opened their Futsal Week campaign against Morocco, one of the world’s top-ranked futsal nations and eventual tournament winners.

The opening exchanges were encouraging, with Scotland showing composure, organisation, and the confidence to disrupt Morocco’s rhythm. However, Morocco’s quality in transition and sharp attacking combinations gradually built a commanding lead.

Despite the scoreline, Scotland’s response was impressive. After halftime, the team returned with renewed energy, pressing aggressively and creating chances of their own. James Grant was rewarded for Scotland’s persistence late in the match, striking a superb free-kick to secure a deserved goal.

The match finished Morocco 12–1 Scotland, a result that did not fully reflect Scotland’s attitude, defensive commitment, or second-half performance.

📸 Photo courtesy of Futsal Week / @FutsalWeek

Scotland vs Switzerland: A Competitive European Challenge

Scotland’s second fixture saw them face Switzerland, another well-organised European side offering a different tactical challenge.

Scotland made a positive start, taking the lead through Caleb Holness, but found it difficult to build sustained passages of play as the match progressed. Switzerland capitalised on key moments to gain control, eventually securing a 5–1 victory.

While the result was disappointing, the match highlighted the physical and tactical demands of international futsal and provided valuable lessons for the squad as they continued their tournament journey.

Final Match vs Malta: Finishing with Purpose

Scotland’s final fixture came against Malta, with both teams eager to finish the tournament on a positive note.

Scotland showed clear intent and competitiveness, but Malta proved clinical in key moments, edging the contest 5–2. Despite the result, Scotland once again demonstrated resilience and attacking threat, continuing to apply the lessons learned across the tournament.

Goals and Individual Highlights

Scotland found the net through:

• James Grant

• Caleb Holness

• Noah Lucas

• Gavin Ritchie

A standout moment of the tournament was the involvement of Ellis Stevenson, just 17 years old, who gained valuable minutes against world-class opposition — an experience that will be crucial for his development at both club and international level.

Looking Ahead

Scotland finished 8th overall at the Futsal Week January Cup, but the tournament represented far more than a final placing. Facing elite international opponents, integrating young players, and competing in a high-pressure environment provided a strong foundation for the months ahead.

With world-level qualification campaigns on the horizon, Futsal Week offered Scotland a vital benchmark — and a reminder that progress is built through exposure, resilience, and continued commitment to development.

The experience gained in Croatia will serve as an important stepping stone as Scotland continue to grow on the international futsal stage.