🇨🇦 WWC Preview: Legend's last dance for Olympic champs Canada | OneFootball

Always in contention but perhaps never quite able to fulfil their potential, Canada have another attempt to win the Women’s World Cup and the last to do so with iconic captain Christine Sinclair.

See all of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.

The Nuts and Bolts 🛠

Group B

Facing Australia, Nigeria and Ireland, this group won’t be a walk in the park. The Super Eagles often prove a tough opponent making for a clutch tournament opener before wrapping up group stage action against the highly-rated co-hosts.

Women’s World Cup pedigree

Canada have never finished higher than fourth in the tournament, with Olympic gold in Tokyo remaining their only victory in major competitions.

Can you tell me a bit about the manager?

A member of John Herdman’s staff during the 2016 Olympics, Bev Priestman turned bronze into gold to give the North American side their first-ever title.

Since taking over, she’s overseen wins against the USA, Brazil, Australia and England. And she knows her way around a World Cup too, as a member of the England staff who finished fourth in 2019.

The Ones to Watch 💥

Key Player: Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns)

At 40-years-old, football’s all-time top  international goalscorer — male or female — continues to lead the way for Canada. Captain Christine Sinclair, in her sixth and very likely her final World Cup, blends leadership, raw talent and experience to once again lead the team forward.

She’s keen to pass the baton and welcome a post-Sinclair era filled with budding talent, but the Burnaby legend remains the key player in the squad even if she plays fewer minutes.

Young Player: Jayde Riviere (Man Utd)

With 37 caps to her name already, Manchester United full-back Jayde Riviere has been a go-to talent for Canada despite only being 22. Cracking into the national team before going professional is a big deal, but Riviere plays like a seasoned veteran.

She’s coming off an injury, but Priestman admitted fans will see a lot of Riviere at the tournament and in the Women’s Super League, too, as it’s understood she will have “good minutes” with United moving forward.

Surprise Package: Cloé Lacasse (Arsenal)

After truly breaking into the national team in 2022, Lacasse harbours a style of play like nobody else in the squad. The former-Benfica star (Lacasse has joined Arsenal this summer) is a breath of fresh air, a quick thinker who connects midfield to the attack and is prolific in front of goal.

Despite not making it out of the groups, Lacasse tied for second-highest scorer in the Women’s Champions League (five – including against Barcelona) and was Portugal’s Player of the Year as 21 goals and 13 assists helped Benfica to a third straight title.

The Talking Point 🗞

Off-pitch feuds with Canada Soccer regarding equal pay hit an all-time high earlier this year, leading to a player strike. The talks weighed heavily on the squad and a poor performances in the SheBelieves Cup did not appear to be unrelated.

How the Canadians bounce back on the biggest stage of all will be in full focus. It’s Sinclair’s last World Cup, and someone must step up without the leadership of star attacker Janine Beckie. A lack of game-time ahead of the tournament will be a real concern, given their last performances carried an asterisk.

The Likely XI 🔎

(4-2-3-1): Sheridan; Riviere, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence; Fleming, Grosso; Leon, Sinclair, Lacasse; Huitema.

The Prediction 🔮

On paper, the Canadians should make it out of the group but the schedule isn’t in their favour, with a tough opener against Nigeria before ending in a potential do-or-die match against co-hosts Australia.

A second place finish would see them avoid likely Group D winners England in the Round of 16, meaning a run to the quarter-finals is on the cards.

See all of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.