Canada will return to the SheBelieves Cup in February 2023 as they face top-ranked teams USA, Brazil and Japan in the annual four-nations tournament in the United States. The round-robin tournament will mark the start to Canada’s international season as they continue their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
“We are excited to be participating in what we know is a great tournament with large crowds, fantastic tier-one opposition and travel, all things that can replicate the feeling and experiences of a FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said Bev Priestman, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach.
Across the three match days, Canada will face USA on 16 February in Orlando, Florida, Brazil on 19 February in Nashville, Tennessee, and Japan on 22 February in Frisco, Texas. Fans will find extended coverage for the matches across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANWNT.
“To have such a good test to start the year at the SheBelieves Cup will be critical for us and it will give us a chance to test the roster in a tournament setting,” said Priestman. “We know what all three opponents can do on their day, so this is an exciting challenge and opportunity for us.”
This will mark the second time in three years that Canada takes part in the SheBelieves Cup. Canada previously took part in the tournament in February 2021 in the buildup to the Olympic Games, with champion coach Bev Priestman making her international debut as Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team’s Head Coach. In 2021, Canada lost 0:1 to USA, won 1:0 over Argentina, then lost 0:2 to Brazil.
Ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July and August, there are few remaining opportunities for participating nations to prepare through international competition. Beyond the three-match window in February, there remains just a two-match window in April and a two-match window in June, with details on those camps to be announced in the new year.
At the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, Canada will face Nigeria on Friday 21 July, Republic of Ireland on Wednesday 26 July, and co-hosts Australia on Monday 31 July.
