The U.S. Women`s National Team continues their summer schedule by facing long-time rivals Canada on Wednesday. This match, held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., represents the final game of the current window, and the USA will be aiming for a perfect record after securing two previous victories.
Coming off dominant 8-0 combined scoreline wins against Ireland, head coach Emma Hayes used varied starting lineups across those matches. However, the clash against Canada poses a more significant challenge, being a key regional opponent in the last fixture before the October international window.
Expect the coaching staff to feature players who may have been more rested in previous games, such as defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle. Defenders Gisele Thompson and Kerry Abello are not available, having departed training camp due to injuries.
With the next international break several months away, Hayes and her team are using this opportunity for crucial player evaluations. The goal is to help finalize the player pool as they begin strategic planning for the 2027-28 cycle.
How to Watch USWNT vs. Canada
- Date: Wednesday, July 2
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Audi Field — Washington D.C.
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Max
- Odds: USA -154; Draw +270; Canada +350
Recent Encounter
These two North American powerhouses have a long history, with the USWNT holding a strong record of 53 wins out of 66 previous encounters. Their most recent meeting was during the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. That match ended 2-2 in regular time, featuring goals from the USA`s Sophia Wilson and Canada`s Adrianna Leon. The game was ultimately decided by a dramatic penalty shootout, which the USWNT won 5-4 after former goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a save and successfully converted her own kick.
Insights from the USWNT Camp
Emma Hayes has been clear about the strategic timeline leading into the 2027-28 cycle. The player pool, which has been broad over the last six months, is expected to be refined after the Canada match. Hayes sees Canada as a top-tier opponent, providing a vital test for less experienced players in the USWNT squad.
“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 commented. “I am curious how much we have learned from playing a tier one opponent … I think we have an opportunity to demonstrate how much we`ve improved on the details, and not just with six or seven senior players. I mean, more players being capable of executing at that level,” she added.
The coaching staff is also focusing on tactical and technical improvements. While acknowledging the team`s attacking prowess shown against Ireland (where they felt they could have scored even more despite four goals), Hayes stressed the importance of decision-making and execution in key moments.
“Are we getting into the right areas? Yes. Are we making the right decision when we`re in the right areas sometimes, are we executing at the top level in the right situations? Still inconsistent for me,” she said. “I still believe there is another level we need to reach to capitalize on the volume of opportunities we create and convert them,” she explained.
“Movement is crucial in the game to disrupt opponents, but you must maintain structure to minimize the impact the opponent can have going the other way. And Canada are very strong in their transitions, and if you allow them too much space in transition, they have the speed to hurt you,” Hayes noted. “So I think we need to get those details right, but this match is really about improving all the things I`ve discussed, particularly focusing on those one or two aspects that represent the next steps for us.”
Canada`s Perspective
Canada`s head coach, Casey Stoney, selected a 23-player roster for their summer friendlies against Costa Rica and the USWNT. Like Hayes, Stoney views these matches as crucial opportunities to assess her squad against top international competition.
“This window represents an important step forward for our group as we continue working towards our objectives,” Stoney stated. “We are stepping up to a world-class challenge against the top-ranked team globally, the USA, which is exactly where we want to test ourselves.”
This will be Stoney`s first time coaching Canada against this particular regional rival, although many players on her roster have extensive experience facing the Stars and Stripes. Appointed in January, Stoney is still in the initial phase with the team, making this match a key assessment point halfway through the calendar year.
“I think the first five months have really been about exploration, getting acquainted with the players, the staff, understanding the available skill sets, and ensuring the team plays to the players` strengths, rather than forcing players to adapt to a rigid system we want to implement,” she said last month.
“I have to be honest, the first two camps, at least, were focused on building trust in the coaching and technical team. I believe the players lost some trust over the past year, which is completely understandable. I`m coming in as someone from outside the country into a national team that I genuinely want to succeed,” Stoney explained. “It`s a privilege and an honor to represent this team. And what I`ve learned is that there are incredible people, immense talent, and if we can just fine-tune things and provide the players with the right tools to be successful, then we can elevate our performance.”
Anticipated Lineups
USWNT: Mandy McGlynn, Avery Patterson, Emily Sonnett, Naomi Girma, Lily Reale, Sam Coffey, Rose Lavelle, Ally Sentnor, Michelle Cooper, Alyssa Thompson
Canada: 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
Honestly, this match has the potential to end in a draw, as both coaching staffs likely prioritize using it as a developmental touchstone for their programs. However, stalemates aren`t the most exciting outcome in a rivalry game. Hopefully, the newer players involved will step up and make it a competitive and entertaining contest.
Pick: USWNT 2, Canada 1
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