The U.S. Women`s National Team (USWNT) is set to conclude its summer matches by facing longtime rival Canada on Wednesday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The team is aiming for a third consecutive win in this window.
The USWNT recently secured two dominant victories against Ireland, scoring 8 goals without conceding any. Head coach Emma Hayes utilized two different starting lineups for these matches. The upcoming game against Canada, a familiar Concacaf opponent, represents the toughest challenge of this series, which is the last international window before October.
Expect the coaching staff to select players who are more rested for the Canada match, possibly including defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle. Defenders Gisele Thompson and Kerry Abello are not available, having left the training camp due to injuries.
As the next international window is in October, this match against Canada serves as a crucial opportunity for final player assessments before the squad is narrowed down. This helps lay the groundwork for planning for the 2027-28 cycle.
Match Details and Odds
- Date & Time: Wednesday, July 2 | 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Audi Field — Washington D.C.
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Max
- Odds: USA -154; Draw +270; Canada +350
Recent Encounter
The USWNT and Canada share a long history, with the U.S. holding a significant advantage with 53 wins in 66 previous meetings. Their last game was in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, which finished 2-2 in regular time (goals from Sophia Wilson for USWNT and Adrianna Leon for Canada) and was decided by a penalty shootout. The U.S. won the dramatic shootout 5-4, notably featuring former goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher who made a save and scored a penalty herself.
Head Coach Emma Hayes` Perspective
Coach Hayes has discussed the team`s roadmap towards the 2027-28 cycle, indicating that the expanded player pool will likely be reduced after the Canada game. She views Canada as a top opponent, perfect for challenging the less experienced players on the USWNT roster.
Hayes stated, “I look at games against Brazil and Japan, tier-one opponents. I believe Canada falls into that category. I`m interested to see how much we`ve progressed by facing a top-tier team… I think we have an opportunity to show how much we`ve improved the finer points, and not just with a handful of senior players, but across a larger group.”
The coaching staff is also concentrating on improving the team`s technical and tactical execution. While acknowledging the strong attacking performance against Ireland (four goals), Hayes noted that analytics suggested the potential for even more goals. The evaluation against Canada will focus on players` decision-making and ability to follow game plans.
“We`re getting into the right positions, yes,” Hayes commented. “Are we always making the correct decisions in those positions, and executing at the highest level? For me, that`s still inconsistent. I still feel there`s room to improve in finishing the chances we create.”
She added, “Attacking movement is crucial for disrupting opponents, but maintaining structural shape is key to minimizing the opponent`s threat on the counter. Canada is very good in transition, and giving them space allows their speed to hurt you. Getting these details right is important, but overall, it`s about improving everything I`ve mentioned, with transitions being one area for the next steps.”
Canada Head Coach Casey Stoney`s Comments
Coach Casey Stoney selected a 23-player squad for recent friendlies against Costa Rica and the USWNT. Like her U.S. counterpart, Stoney sees these matches as a benchmark for how her team performs against top opponents.
Stoney stated, “This period is a vital step for our group as we progress toward our objectives. We are taking on a world-class opponent in the USA, the world`s top-ranked team, which is exactly the challenge we need.”
This will be Stoney`s first time coaching Canada against a major regional rival, although many of her players have significant experience against the USWNT. Stoney, who took over in January, is still in the initial phase with the team, making this match a key point midway through the year.
Stoney remarked, “The first five months have primarily been about discovery – getting familiar with the players and staff, understanding the available skill sets, and ensuring the team plays to the players` strengths, rather than forcing them to adapt to a specific system.”
She added candidly, “To be honest, the focus of the first couple of camps has been on building trust between the players and the coaching staff. It`s understandable that the players may have lost some trust over the past year. I`m coming in as an outsider to a national team that I genuinely want to succeed. It`s a privilege to represent this team. I`ve found incredible people and talent here, and if we can refine a few things and provide the right support for the players to succeed, we can elevate our performance.”
Predicted Starting 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
This match has the potential to be a tight contest, with both coaching staffs likely viewing it as a key moment for their respective programs. While a draw seems plausible, a lively rivalry game is hoped for, especially with newer players involved.
Prediction: USWNT 2, Canada 1