USA vs Canada: SheBelieves Cup 2026 – A Rivalry Renewed

The 2026 SheBelieves Cup is set to ignite with a classic rivalry match on Wednesday as the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) faces off against Canada. For head coach Emma Hayes, this game provides a crucial opportunity to build tournament experience within her squad, a focus she intends to maintain throughout the roster.

Eight players from the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning team are featured in the SheBelieves Cup roster, alongside a mix of players gaining their first or second experience in this competition. Following a convincing 2-0 victory over Argentina, the USWNT now confronts a Canadian side currently leading the tournament table after a dominant 4-1 win against Colombia. With a final match against Colombia on Saturday looming, the Canada game is pivotal and will likely determine this year’s champion.

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, March 4
• Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
• Location: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field – Columbus, Ohio
• TV: TNT
• Stream: HBO Max

A History of Competition

The rivalry between the United States and Canada dates back to 1986, and the historical record heavily favors the Americans. The USWNT boasts a commanding lead in the all-time series with 54 wins, four losses, and nine draws, having outscored Canada 189-42. You can find more historical data on FIFA’s official website.

However, recent encounters have been far more competitive. Both nations have proven capable of dramatic upsets, particularly in tournament settings. From nail-biting penalty shootouts in the 2024 Gold Cup and SheBelieves Cup to intense Olympic semifinal clashes, these two teams consistently deliver high-stakes moments.

Memorable moments include the USWNT’s extra-time semifinal win over Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, securing a fourth gold medal, and Canada’s historic 1-0 semifinal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Games, marking their first-ever Olympic gold. That 2020 victory remains Canada’s most recent win against the USWNT.

Canada’s New Chapter

Canada’s head coach, Casey Stoney, is entering her second year with the program, aiming to revitalize the team after a challenging 2025. Currently ranked 10th in the FIFA rankings – their lowest position since 2018 – Canada is eager to rebuild and regain its competitive edge.

Stoney’s 24-player roster for the SheBelieves Cup features some notable omissions, including veterans Adriana Leon, Shelina Zadorsky, Ashley Lawrence, and Sabrina D’Angelo. Rising star Olivia Smith is also unavailable due to a concussion. The squad includes 13 players from NWSL clubs, six from European clubs, and four representing the emerging Canadian NSL.

Canada’s Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage), Emily Burns (Nantes), Melissa Dagenais (Ottawa Rapid)

Defenders (7): Jade Rose (Manchester City), Vanessa Gilles (Bayern Munich), Sydney Collins (Bay FC), Marie Levasseur (Montpellier), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit), Brooklyn Courtnall (Bay FC), Megan Reid (Denver Summit)

Midfielders (6): Julia Grosso (Chicago Stars), Simi Awujo (Manchester United), Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns), Emma Regan (Denver Summit), Marie-Yasmine Alidou (Portland Thorns), Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto)

Forwards (8): Jordyn Huitema (Seattle Reign), Evelyne Viens (Roma), Nichelle Prince (Boston Legacy), Janine Sonis (Denver Summit), Holly Ward (Vancouver Rise), Delaney Baie Pridham (Ottawa Rapid), Annabelle Chukwu (Notre Dame Fighting Irish), Cloé Lacasse (Utah Royals)

New Tournament Format

The 2026 SheBelieves Cup introduces a new twist: all matches tied after regulation will go directly to penalty kicks. Teams winning the shootout will earn an additional point. The competition maintains a round-robin format, awarding three points for a win, one for a tie after regulation, and an extra point for a shootout victory. Tiebreakers will prioritize goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head results, and finally, fair play rules.

Given the history of close games between the USA and Canada, this new point system could significantly impact the tournament outcome.

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