For the first time in history, Canada enters an Olympic women’s soccer tournament as reigning champions, looking to defend their 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal in Paris without legends and longtime stalwarts Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt, who both retired from international competition at the end of 2023 and have represented Canada in each of the country’s previous four tournament appearances.
Lawsuits regarding pay disputes and working conditions with their federation have been ongoing for the team. Financial turmoil within Canada Soccer has been cited as reason for limited resources made available in their Olympic and World Cup preparations over the past couple of years, as well as fewer camps and friendly opportunities.
Recent Form…
After not making it out of the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1-1 record, Canada beat Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate across two legs to secure their Olympic berth as the second CONCACAF representative in September. After one win and one loss across a two-game friendly series with Brazil in October, Canada won both friendly matches against Australia in December.
In the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, Canada shut out every opponent they faced before tying the United States in the semifinal 2-2 after extra time and losing the penalty shootout 3-1. Due to field conditions, it is arguable if this match should have been played.
The 2024 SheBelieves Cup saw Canada beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, and again faced the United States in the SheBelieves Cup final, tying 2-2 and losing 5-4 on penalties.
Canada registered a shut-out win and a 1-1 draw in a pair of friendlies against Mexico in June, and will play one preparatory match against Australia before the Olympics kick off in France.
Previous Olympic Appearances
Canada has appeared in every iteration of the Olympic women’s football tournament since 2008, making the 2024 Paris Games the country’s fifth time qualifying.
In 2008, Canada placed third in their group but still advanced, losing the quarterfinal 2-1 to the United States, who would go on to win gold.
In 2012, Canada would secure their first Olympic medal, again advancing despite finishing third in their group behind Sweden and Japan. Canada would defeat hosts Team Great Britain 2-0 in the quarterfinals before once again falling to the United States 4-3 after extra time of the semifinal match. Canada would defeat France 1-0 in the third place match to earn bronze.
In 2016, Canada won their group, defeating Germany, Australia, and Zimbabwe. Once again, Canada defeated France 1-0, this time in the quarterfinals before falling to Germany 2-0 in a group stage rematch. Canada’s 2-1 defeat of hosts Brazil in the 2016 third-place match earned them their second Olympic bronze medal.
Finally, in the Tokyo 2020 games, Canada earned their first win over the United States in an Olympic women’s soccer tournament and an Olympic gold medal. Despite coming second in their group to Great Britain, Canada defeated Brazil in the quarterfinals on penalties 4-3 after a 0-0 draw, going on to defeat the United States 1-0 in the semifinals, and beating Sweden 3-2 on penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw in regulation and neither team finding the back of the net in extra time.
Squad
Goalkeepers (2): Sabrina D’Angelo, Kailen Sheridan
Defenders (6): Kadeisha Buchanan, Sydney Collins, Vanessa Gilles, Ashley Lawrence, Jayde Riviere, Jade Rose, Gabrielle Carle
Midfielders (4): Simi Awujo, Jessie Fleming (c), Julia Grosso, Quinn
Forwards (6): Janine Beckie, Jordyn Huitema, Cloé Lacasse, Adriana Leon, Nichelle Prince, Evelyne Viens
Alternates: Lysianne Proulx (GK), Gabrielle Carle, Shelina Zadorsky, Deanne Rose, Desiree Scott
Coach: Bev Priestman
Due to injury, Sydney Collins was withdrawn from the Olympic squad. Gabrielle Carle was elevated to the 18 and Desiree Scott called in to join the alternates.
Player to Watch
Only four players in Canada’s 18 will be making their Olympic debuts, with 13 returning members from the Tokyo roster. Paris will be the second Olympic appearance for seven players, and the third consecutive Olympic appearance for six.
Amongst those six three-time Olympians is Janine Beckie, who missed the entire 2023 season after tearing her ACL in a preseason match. Beckie returned to the field with a brace in Portland’s opening match of 2024 and has recently been a driving force to Portland’s success and production. Beckie consistently creates valuable chances for her teammates and herself, positioning herself in ways that ensure a high quality and not simply quantity of production. She has a wide skillset that not only makes her successful in the winger position but also gives Priestman the flexibility that is necessary in a tournament of this caliber.
When push comes to shove, despite her strength in creating width in the attacking third in a way that, arguably, no other player on this roster can replicate for Canada, Beckie can also shift into other roles and adapt to the needs of the team and demands of the tournament. A striker in college who also played as a striker and in the central midfield early in her professional career, Beckie spent some time on and off playing fullback at Manchester City before returning to the NWSL and continuing to grow in the winger role in Portland. All of this to say: at first glance, few would call Beckie a utility player. But in a pinch, she can fill in around the pitch, and this is part of what makes Beckie so good at what she does. Currently fifth overall on the list of all-time women’s Canadian goalscorers, Janine Beckie is undoubtedly one to watch this Olympics.
Young Player to Watch
Another versatile player on Canada’s roster who missed out on the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to injury comes in the form of Harvard Senior Jade Rose.
At just 21, Rose is a center back with undeniable composure, who is good on the ball and has a comfort moving into the attack that doesn’t jeopardize her ability to defend or efficiency on the backline. Rose’s versatility comes with her ability to slot in as a fullback or defensive midfielder, and comfort going forward in the 3-4-3 formation that the team has moved to following their early exit from last summer’s tournament. This change highlights Rose’s ability to find and move into space, helping Canada advance the ball and have more control throughout the game.
From captaining the Canadian U-20 team at the 2022 U-20 World Cup to earning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, Rose’s resume makes it clear that she is a player full of potential. Former Canadian national team players from Christine Sinclair to Carmelina Moscato have sang her praises, and the Olympics may just be Jade Rose’s breakout tournament.
Regardless, as she makes her Olympic debut, Rose is one to watch.