The Canada women's soccer team will be aiming to repeat the heroics of their 2021 Olympics Gold medal win when they travel to Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
The side will be hoping to reach the knockout rounds for a third time in a row, and will be keen to emulate their best ever World Cup finish when they made it to the semifinals in 2003.
They won't have it come easy to them, with a competitive Group B including host nation Australia, but the Canadians, led by experienced veteran Christine Sinclair, will be calling on their Olympic experiences to pull them through the tight clashes.
The Sporting News takes a closer look at the final squad called up by Canada manager Bev Priestman for the tournament.
MORE: Full Women's World Cup schedule
Canada final Women's World Cup squad
Canada's final squad was announced on July 9, with players oozing quality and top experience at club and international level in all areas of the park.
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) July 9, 2023Another mountain to climb 🏔
See Also10 Best Canadian Women Football (Soccer) PlayersCanada Soccer unveils squad for Paris 2024 Olympic Games Qualifier - Canada SoccerCanada Soccer unveils Women’s National Team roster for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games - Canada SoccerCanadian women's soccer team roster revealed for Tokyo Games | CBC SportsYour 23 player roster for the 2023 @FIFAWWC! 🇨🇦@CANWNT x @CIBC#WeCAN
Chelsea's Kadeisha Buchanan will anchor the defence at centre back alongside Vanessa Gilles,with Buchanan's future Chelsea teammateAshley Lawrencelooking to be a dynamic presence at full-back.
In midfield, veteranSophie Schmidtwill be the talismanic figurealongsideJessie Flemingand youngsterJulia Grosso, who has already amassed 50 caps at the age of 22.
Up front, 40-year-old captainChristine Sinclairwill aim to become the first player in both men's and women's football to score at six consecutive World Cup's; she will be ably supported by Adriana LeonandNichelle Prince, whileJordyn Huitema will also be a potent threat for opposition defenses.
The final 23-player squad Canada has taken to the World Cup follows below, including six players who have amassed over 100 caps for their country.
| Position | Player | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Sabrina D'Angelo | Arsenal (ENG) | 13 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Lysianne Proulx | Torreense (POR) | 0 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Kailen Sheridan | San Diego Wave (USA) | 35 | 0 |
| Defender | Kadeisha Buchanan | Chelsea (ENG) | 131 | 4 |
| Defender | Gabrielle Carle | Washington Spirit (USA) | 36 | 1 |
| Defender | Allysha Chapman | Houston Dash (USA) | 96 | 2 |
| Defender | Vanessa Gilles | Lyon (FRA) | 25 | 3 |
| Defender | Ashley Lawrence | Chelsea (ENG) | 117 | 8 |
| Defender | Jayde Riviere | Manchester United (ENG) | 37 | 1 |
| Defender | ShelinaZadorsky | Tottenham Hotspur | 89 | 4 |
| Midfielder | Simi Awujo | USC Trojans (USA) | 6 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Jessie Fleming | Chelsea (ENG) | 115 | 19 |
| Midfielder | Julia Grosso | Juventus (ITA) | 50 | 3 |
| Midfielder | Quinn | OL Reign (USA) | 89 | 5 |
| Midfielder | Sophie Schmidt | Houston Dash (USA) | 221 | 20 |
| Midfielder | Olivia Smith | Penn State (USA) | 2 | 0 |
| Forward | Jordyn Huitema | OL Reign (USA) | 64 | 16 |
| Forward | Cloe Lacasse | Arsenal (ENG) | 19 | 1 |
| Forward | Adriana Leon | Manchester United (ENG) | 96 | 28 |
| Forward | Nichelle Prince | Houston Dash (USA) | 90 | 13 |
| Forward | Deanne Rose | Unattached | 73 | 10 |
| Forward | Christine Sinclair | Portland Thorns (USA) | 323 | 190 |
| Forward | Evelyne Viens | Kristianstads DFF (SWE) | 18 | 4 |
Canada stars, strengths and weaknesses
This is one of the strongest Canadian sides to go to a World Cup in recent history, with many of the players in contention having played in the successful Olympics campaign two years ago.
Many key players have also earned moves to Europe and currently ply their trade for some of the top women's sides like Chelsea, Lyon, and Arsenal.
Stars
It is difficult to look past inspirational leaderChristine Sinclairas one of the key players of this Canada side, with the veteran player able to line up as a striker or also in behind as a No. 10.
Jessie Flemingis a team leader and the key player in the middle of the park after a strong season with FAWSL champions Chelsea.
Julia Grosso should be a midfield starter in this tournament, especially with the injury to Desiree Scott, and she will show why at 22 she's already one of the most important players at Juventus.
Jordyn Huitemahas a big chance to show the world why she's been consideredone of the up-and-coming attacking talents in Canadian soccer for several years, debuting with the senior team at the age of 15.
Strengths
This team has an established identity and the experience of a championship run in the case of the Olympics in 2021.
That gold medal triumph was based on strong defending and outstanding goalkeeping, and Canada will have both once again at the World Cup.Kailen Sheridan is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and the back four is established and features some depth.
Weaknesses
Despite the Olympics win living long in the memory, Canada's recent form has flattered to deceive. The side has lost four of their last five matches, including a concerning 3-0 defeat against Japan in the SheBelives Cup.
The attack has not been as dependable as the defending, and the absence of playmaker and set-piece taker Janine Beckie could set Canada back significantly. They are desperate for a player to step up and take on the goal-scoring responsibilities, and it's probably time to see a young player emerge for Les Rouges in that role.
Canada projected starting lineup at Women's World Cup
Here is one way the reigning Olympic Gold medalists could line up in Australia:
Projected Canada starting lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Sheridan (GK) — Riviere, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence — Fleming, Schmidt, Grosso — Huitema, Sinclair, Leon.
Can Canada replace players on World Cup roster?
According to the official rules of the World Cup, players on the final squad can only be replaced in the event of a serious illness or injury up to 24 hours before the start of their teams first match.
The injury or illness needs to be assessed and judged by FIFA to be serious enough to prevent the player from taking part in the World Cup.
