The United States Women`s National Team returns to action to conclude their summer schedule, facing regional rivals Canada on Wednesday. The game will be held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., as the Stars and Stripes aim to complete a sweep of their opponents during this international window.
The USWNT is coming off two convincing victories against Ireland, outscoring them 8-0 across the pair of matches. Head coach Emma Hayes utilized entirely different starting lineups for each game. However, the toughest challenge of the window is undoubtedly Canada, a long-standing Concacaf adversary, in this final fixture before the team`s next international window in October.
Expect the coaching staff to select from players who are more rested for the match against Canada, potentially including defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle. Defenders Gisele Thompson and Kerry Abello are not available, having departed the training camp due to injuries.
With no further international matches scheduled until October, Coach Hayes and her staff are using this opportunity for final player assessments before narrowing down the player pool for future cycles. The focus is on transitioning into the next phase of planning for the 2027-28 period.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 2
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Audi Field, Washington D.C.
- TV: TNT
- Live Stream: Max
Recent Encounter
These two teams share a lengthy history, with the USWNT holding a significant advantage with 53 wins in 66 previous encounters against their continental rivals. Their most recent meeting was during the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, which finished 2-2 in regular time with goals from the USWNT`s Sophia Wilson and Canada`s Adrianna Leon. The match was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout, where the USWNT prevailed 5-4 after former goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a save and then successfully converted a penalty kick herself.
USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes` Thoughts
Emma Hayes has been clear about the timeline for squad development leading up to the 2027-28 cycle. The expanded player pool assessed over the last six months is likely to be refined after the Canada match. Hayes regards Canada as a top opponent, ideal for testing some of the USWNT`s less experienced players.
“I look at the Brazil games. I look at the Japan games, for example, tier one, opponents, tier A opponents, I think Canada are in that category,” Hayes stated. “I am curious how much we have learned from playing a tier one opponent… I think we have an opportunity to show how much we`ve closed the gap on the details, and not just six or seven senior players. I mean, more numbers being able to do that.”
The manager and her staff are also concentrating on refining the team`s tactical and technical execution. While acknowledging the dangerous attacking play against Ireland and the impressive goal tally, data showed opportunities for even more. The focus against Canada will be evaluating players` decision-making and successful execution of game plans.
“Are we getting into the right areas? Yes. Are we taking the right decision when we`re in the right areas sometimes, are we executing at the top level in the right situations? Still indifferent for me,” she explained. “I still feel there is another level to close the gap for the volume of opportunities we get and converting them.”
Hayes also highlighted the importance of structure against Canada`s transition game. “Movement is important in the game to disrupt an opponent, but you have to maintain structures to minimize the impact the opponent can have in the opposite direction. And Canada are very good in their transitions, and if you give them too much transition space, they have pace to hurt you. So I think we need to get those details right, but this is really about improving all the things I`ve just previously mentioned, but those are one or two that I think can be next steps.”
Canada Head Coach Casey Stoney`s Comments
Head coach Casey Stoney named a 23-player roster for summer friendlies against Costa Rica and the USWNT. Like Hayes, Stoney views these matches as a crucial test for her squad against top-tier opposition.
“This window is an important step forward for our group as we continue building toward our goals,” she said in a statement. “We step up to a world-class challenge against the world`s top-ranked team, the USA, which is exactly where we want to be.”
This will be Stoney`s first time coaching Canada against a top regional rival, although many players on her roster possess extensive experience facing the USWNT. Stoney is still in the early stages of her tenure, having been appointed head coach in January, making this match a mid-year benchmark.
“I think, first probably five months, really have been about exploring, about getting to know the players, getting to know the staff, understanding the skill sets of what we`ve got available, making sure the team plays the strengths of the players, rather than getting the players to adapt to something that we want to do,” Stoney commented last month.
She also spoke about rebuilding trust within the squad. “I`ve got to be honest, the first two camps, at least, has been about building trust in coaching and the technical team. I think the players lost trust over the last year, which is absolutely understandable. I`m coming in as a foreign person into a national team that, you know, I genuinely have a desire to do well for. It`s a privilege and an honor to represent this team. And what I`ve gotten to know is there`s some incredible people, some incredible talent, and if we can, just fine-tune things we can give the players the right tools to be able to be successful, then we can go up a gear.”
Predicted Starting Lineups
Based on recent usage and availability:
- USWNT Predicted XI: Mandy McGlynn, Avery Patterson, Emily Sonnett, Naomi Girma, Lily Reale, Sam Coffey, Rose Lavelle, Ally Sentnor, Michelle Cooper, Alyssa Thompson
- Canada Predicted XI: Kalien Sheridan, Ashley Lawrence, Jade Rose, Vanessa Giles, Gabrielle Carle, Julia Grosso, Jesse Flemming, Simi Awujo, Marie-Yasmine Alidou, Janine Sonis, Evelyne Viens
Match Prediction
This match carries the feel of a potential draw, with both coaching staffs likely prioritizing evaluation and tactical adjustments. However, rivalry games are rarely dull. Expect the newer faces to step up and make an impact.
Our Pick: USWNT 2, Canada 1
Benedict Kingsley