The 2026 SheBelieves Cup returns this Sunday, and with it comes a chance for Canada Women’s National Team (FIFA Ranking – 10th) to go head-to-head with their neighbours USA (FIFA Ranking – 2nd), Colombia (FIFA Ranking – 20th), and Argentina (FIFA Ranking – 30th) from March 1st to 7th, 2026.
Colombia and Argentina are invited to participate in this tournament for the first time. The USA know this competition inside out, having won it seven out of the ten times. They have turned this tournament into their annual reminder of dominance. For Canada, this year’s edition feels different. Not because expectations are high, but because the team arrives searching for identity and belief. A squad blending experience with new pathways, recent results that sting, and a defensive pairing that might be arriving right on time.
Canada’s recent form is not flattering at first glance and raises familiar questions. Where are the goals coming from? How stable is the back line? And can Canada control games rather than survive them? Their last win came against Costa Rica in June 2025, and this cup could re-ignite their form and give them a push before the qualification for World Cup in 2027.
Canada Women’s National Team Roster:
Goalkeepers: Emily Burns (FC Nantes), Melissa Dagenais (Ottawa Rapid FC), Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage)
Defenders: Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit), Sydney Collins (Bay FC), Brooklyn Courtnall (Bay FC), Vanessa Gilles (FC Bayern Munich), Marie Levasseur (Montpellier HSC), Jade Rose (Manchester City WFC), Janine Sonis (Denver Summit FC)
Midfielders: Marie-Yasmine Alidou (Portland Thorns FC), Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns FC), Simi Awujo (Manchester United WFC), Julia Grosso (Chicago Red Stars), Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto), Emma Regan (Denver Summit FC)
Forwards: Annabelle Chukwu (University of Notre Dame), Jordyn Huitema (Seattle Reign FC), Cloé Lacasse (Utah Royals FC), Delaney Baie Pridham (Ottawa Rapid FC), Nichelle Prince (Boston Legacy FC), Evelyne Viens (AS Roma), Holly Ward (Vancouver Rise FC), Olivia Smith (Arsenal WFC)
Jade Rose and Vanessa Gilles: A defensive stronghold?
Injuries to Shelina Zadorsky and Kadeisha Buchanan have ruled them out of the squad selection. With experience lacking in the centre back position alongside Vanessa Gilles, in-form Jade Rose might be the solution. Although the pair have only started one international friendly against the USA together in July 2025, Rose’s introduction to the last few camps has likely given her confidence to play with the squad.
Rose brings a modern defender’s instinct. In her first season at Manchester City WFC, she is comfortable stepping into midfield, loves to carry the ball under pressure, and confident in her passing angles. She could provide Canada with a way out from the back if she continues her league form.
Vanessa Gilles offers the opposite energy in the best possible way. Experience, authority, and a presence that calms everyone around her. With 50+ appearances, she wins aerial duels, organizes the back line, and controls the chaos in the defensive third. Her leadership is a constant and could turn things around for Canada.
Gilles is also a menace in both the boxes. This season she has scored 3 goals in the league for FC Bayern Munich. It is another weapon for coach Casey Stoney, especially considering cup games tend to be cautious and dead-ball actions like long throw-ins and corners are in fashion.
New league’s recognition
There is a positive trend to be seen in this squad selection. Although injuries might have played a role, the inclusion of Northern Super League players is not symbolic, it is practical. Delaney Baie Pridham (19 Goals), Kaylee Hunter (16 Goals) and Holly Ward (8 Goals) have been in form domestically and already been called up in recent camps for friendlies. Bringing them to this tournament shows a clear path for NSL players.
If given minutes, these players can offer a different dynamic. In tournaments where margins are thin, this new energy and drive could swing momentum in Canada’s favour.
Still, the road to lifting the trophy runs through the United States. Their depth, athleticism, and tournament mentality are unmatched. Even when not at full strength, they dominate games. Canada under Casey Stoney will have to come up with solutions against them.
If Rose and Gilles can control space, progress the ball centrally, and resist the early waves of pressure, Canada can turn matches into contests rather than chasing them.
SheBelieves has always been a tough tournament for Canada. The closest they came was in 2024 as runners-up. This year too, Canada does not arrive as favourites. However, if this new defensive partnership takes shape and provides a platform for midfielders and attackers to dominate, there is a big chance that this team overcomes all three teams and lifts the cup for the first time.
(Image – Canada Soccer)