Meet Canada’s soccer team hoping to lift the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy

The Canadian women’s soccer team begins its World Cup campaign against Nigeria on Thursday (10:30 p.m. ET, TSN4). The event, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will run until Aug. 20 and has been expanded to 32 countries (from 24) with 64 matches.

After winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Canada is among the tournament favourites. Led by Christine Sinclair, one of the sport’s most prolific scorers, and Kailen Sheridan, arguably the best goalkeeper in the women’s game, Canada hopes to make a deep run and improve on its round-of-16 exit at the 2019 World Cup.

Here’s a look at Canada’s lineup ahead of soccer’s biggest event, and what each player brings to the team:

PROJECTED STARTERS

Kailen Sheridan

Goalkeeper, Pickering

The 28-year-old became the starter last year. Time and time again, she makes big saves, performing well under pressure. Sheridan also provides leadership and consistency. She was the 2022 NWSL goalkeeper of the year with the San Diego Wave.

Ashley Lawrence

Fullback, Caledon

After a career-high 28 matches for Paris Saint-Germain this season, Lawrence joined English powerhouse Chelsea. Pace and defensive instincts are her strengths. Her ability to counterattack and create scoring opportunities from the backline will be vital for Canada.

Vanessa Gilles

Centre back, Ottawa

The 27-year-old defensive mainstay uses her aerial presence and experience to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. While she’s known for guarding Canada’s net, Gilles, who plays for French club giant Lyon, doesn’t shy away from attacking opportunities.

Kadeisha Buchanan

Centre back, Brampton

The 27-year-old Chelsea star is one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country. Buchanan earned a starting spot with fearless play and effectiveness on the backline. At the World Cup, look for her to deliver energy, stability and consistency for the full 90 minutes.

Allysha Chapman

Fullback, Courtice, Ont.

One of the older players on the squad, at 34, hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. The Houston Dash fullback is fast up and down the wings, and has earned nearly 100 caps for Canada. Her experience could help Canada make a deep run.

Jessie Fleming

Midfielder, London, Ont.

The 25-year-old is one of Canada’s and Chelsea’s brightest talents. She excels on attack and is the brains behind many of Canada’s goals. Fleming, who could be the next captain after Christine Sinclair retires, will provide game-changing leadership at the World Cup.

Quinn

Midfielder, Toronto

Although Quinn is predominantly a midfielder, the 27-year-old’s defence is a key part of Canada’s transition play. Quinn’s strengths are maintaining possession and composure, essential ingredients in high-pressure situations.

Julia Grosso

Midfielder, Vancouver

At 22, Grosso is another exciting young talent. She scored the penalty shootout goal that clinched Olympic gold against Sweden. She also helped Juventus to a Coppa Italia win in Serie A this season. Grosso is another attacking threat for Canada.

Adriana Leon

Striker, King City, Ont.

Fresh off a loan from Manchester United to the Portland Thorns, Leon is in top form. The 30-year-old’s eye for the goal and dribbling ability makes her a player to watch. While Christine Sinclair or Jordyn Huitema tend to get the attention on attack, don’t underestimate Leon’s nose for the net.

Christine Sinclair

Striker, Burnaby, B.C.

This will be her sixth World Cup at age 40. Sinclair is one of the game’s all-time greats, and this could be her final Cup. She will likely take on a playmaking role, opening up scoring opportunities rather than taking them for herself.

Jordyn Huitema

Striker, Chilliwack, B.C.

Tabbed as Sinclair’s heir apparent, Huitema made her senior national team debut at age 14. Since then, five-foot-nine striker has used her height and tenacity to advantage on the attack. Now 22, Huitema will look to cement her starting spot and prove that she can be a big-game player.

SUBSTITUTES

Sabrina D’Angelo

Goalkeeper, Welland, Ont.

D’Angelo has hit her stride after recovering from a severe knee injury in 2021. After moving to Arsenal this year, she helped the club win the FA Women’s Continental League Cup. Sheridan is Canada’s clear No. 1, but D’Angelo is an excellent backup if needed.

Lysianne Proulx

Goalkeeper, Longueuil, Que.

Proulx, 24, signed her first pro contract with Torreense in Portugal, fresh out of the NCAA. While she’s smaller than many ’keepers at five-foot-seven, she makes quick decisions and gets the job done. Proulx will be Canada’s third choice in net.

Jayde Riviere

Fullback, Markham

The 22-year-old spent most of this past season recovering from hip surgery. The Canadian team expects great things from her moving forward. Riviere, who plays for Manchester United, can inject instant energy and pace off the bench.

Gabrielle Carle

Fullback, Quebec City

The 24-year-old recently made a move from Sweden to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. In the U.S., Carle worked on her speed, defence and versatility, all of which could prove valuable at this World Cup.

Shelina Zadorsky

Centre back, London, Ont.

Despite dealing with an array of health issues over the past few years, the 30-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defender is reliable and technically strong. Her experience on the world’s stage will help off the bench in times of need.

Sophie Schmidt

Midfield, Winnipeg

Canada’s second-most capped player used to be a starter. Now the 35-year-old, who plans to retire after the tournament, will act as a trusted substitute. She’s known for accurate strikes and her ability to create scoring chances.

Simi Awujo

Midfield, Atlanta

At 19, she’s one of the squad’s newest members. In 2022, she was named one of Canada Soccer’s young players of the year. She has made many youth international appearances for Canada, and done well when called up to the senior team.

Deanne Rose

Striker, Alliston, Ont.

Rose is known for her pace and ruthless pursuit of goal. The 24-year-old’s ability to come off the bench and energize teammates could prove valuable. She recently returned to training after an Achilles injury suffered in 2022, so it’s unclear if she is at full strength.

Nichelle Prince

Striker, Ajax

The 28-year-old Prince suffered an ACL injury last year, but appears to be back up to full speed on attack. She’s a smart player who can change the pace of a game and catch the other team off-guard.

Cloé Lacasse

Striker, Sudbury, Ont.

Lacasse made headlines last month, transferring from Benfica to Arsenal. The 30-year-old is a tried-and-true scorer who uses speed and work ethic to create chances. She’s in top form now, and could provide an important burst of pace as a substitute in the latter stages of Canada’s games.

Olivia Smith

Striker, Toronto

The 18-year-old is one of Canada’s top prospects and recently passed up eligibility at Penn State to turn pro. Her club choice has yet to be revealed. Minutes in a World Cup would be valuable for her development.

Evelyne Viens

Striker, L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que.

The 26-year-old Viens isn’t Canada’s most talked about striker, but she has a powerful shot, incredible technique and is among the Golden Boot favourites in the Swedish pro league. She’ll offer another reliable option off the bench for Canada.

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