Having won gold at Tokyo 2020 amidst the pandemic, the Canadian women’s soccer team is all set to defend their title in Paris 2024. Their stellar Olympic record includes bronze medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016, establishing themselves as a global powerhouse. This Olympics will be a key test of their skill and desire for a fourth straight Olympic medal.
The Canadian women’s soccer team had a tough journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics. They finished second and third with Jamaica at the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Championship in Mexico, which led to a playoff against Jamaica for an Olympic spot. Canada dominated, winning 4-1 overall, with a 2-0 win away and a 2-1 win at home. With players like Adriana Leon on the side, Canada is poised to make a big impact in this edition, too.
Canada’s Women’s Soccer Team’s Strengths
Since taking over as manager in 2020, Beverly Priestman has been phenomenal. She has built a strong squad, relying on experienced players while grooming new talents. The team’s main strength is their attacking power, as evidenced by the 19 goals scored in seven matches this year ahead of the Paris 2024.
Canada’s Women’s Soccer Team’s Weaknesses
While the girls can pump in goals after goals, they are vulnerable at the back. In their last three international matches, they have conceded five goals. This is something Priestman needs to work on. Meanwhile, Kadeisha Buchanan and Jade Rose, a defensive duo, will be key players in the backline. Jade Rose, winner of the Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year 2023 award, will be making her Olympics debut. She must perform optimally to avoid exposing their goalkeepers in the Paris 2024. 
Canada’s Schedule
Canada is in Group A with strong teams like Colombia, host nation France, and underdog New Zealand. They will start their title defense against New Zealand at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard on July 25, followed by matches against France and Colombia.
Group Phase Matches
Canada vs. New Zealand
Date: Thursday, 25 July 2024
Time: 17:00 hrs.
Location: Stade Geoffroy Guichard
France vs. Canada
Date: Sunday, July 28, 2024
Time: 21:00 hrs.
Location: Stade Geoffroy Guichard
Colombia vs. Canada
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Time: 21:00 hrs.
Location: Allianz Riviera
Players to watch
Adriana Leon
Adriana Leon has been outstanding during the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup, scoring six goals and making two assists, earning a spot in the tournament’s Best Eleven. She is Canada’s third all-time leading scorer with 40 goals in 114 international matches. Her eight assists show her all-around game, making her a key player for the Paris 2024.
Jessie Fleming
Jessie Fleming, the team’s captain, is critical because of her experience with top teams. Since joining the national team in January 2013, she has made 127 appearances, scoring 19 goals and 9 assists. Her growth has been impressive, especially after four years with the Chelsea women’s team. She is predominantly a central midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder or left winger.
Prediction
The Canadian women’s soccer team is in a favorable position to advance deep into Paris 2024, with host France as their main competitor. Ranked eighth in the FIFA world rankings, Canada faces a tough test against second-ranked France. Playing at home gives France an edge, but a draw or win against the hosts would put Canada in a strong position to beat lower-ranked teams like New Zealand and Colombia. Finishing at the top of their group could lead to a favorable quarter-final matchup against the third-place team from Group B or C.
