The 2026 SheBelieves Cup is set for a spirited rivalry clash this Wednesday as the U.S. women’s national team faces Canada. Coach Emma Hayes views this as an ideal opportunity to enhance the tournament experience for her players, a goal she aims to achieve across a significant portion of the team. The SheBelieves Cup roster includes eight members from the 2024 Olympic gold-winning squad, alongside numerous others participating in their first or second SheBelieves Cup.
After securing a 2-0 win against Argentina in Sunday’s opening match, the USWNT now confronts a Canadian team currently topping the tournament standings following their 4-1 victory over Colombia. With their final game scheduled against Colombia on Saturday, this encounter with Canada is poised to be a pivotal contest, potentially deciding this year’s champion.
Trinity Rodman is anticipated to play for the Americans despite an injury scare during the initial game.
Details on how to watch the match and key discussion points are provided below:
USA vs. Canada: Viewing Information
Date: Wednesday, March 4 | Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field — Columbus, Ohio
Broadcast: TNT
Streaming: HBO Max
Enduring Competitors
The intense rivalry between these two North American powerhouses began in 1986, with the United States holding the historical upper hand. Across 67 past encounters, the USWNT boasts a significant lead with 54 victories, four defeats, and nine draws, outscoring their regional counterparts 189-42.
Notwithstanding this skewed win-loss record, recent clashes in this rivalry have been remarkably close and often dramatic, especially in tournament play, with both teams claiming significant victories. From decisive penalty shootouts in the 2024 Gold Cup and 2024 SheBelieves Cup to critical Olympic semifinal matchups, neither nation is unfamiliar with high-pressure encounters against the other.
The USWNT’s memorable extra-time comeback victory against Canada in the 2012 London Olympic semifinals ultimately led to their fourth gold medal. Conversely, Canada’s 1-0 semifinal triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Games secured their inaugural gold medal. That 2020 Summer Games win stands as Canada’s most recent victory over the USWNT.
Analyzing the Canadian Squad
Canada’s head coach, Casey Stoney, is now in her second year leading the program, and her team is keen to move past a disappointing 2025 marked by numerous developmental challenges.
Canada currently ranks 10th in the official FIFA standings, which is their lowest position since 2018, when they were ranked fourth. Despite the initial positive reception for Canada Soccer’s decision to hire Stoney, after a drone incident resulted in Bev Priestman’s departure, the Canadians did secure a Pinatar Cup win and achieved respectable results in a series of friendly matches. However, they concluded the year on a poor streak, suffering losses to Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Stoney revealed a 24-player SheBelieves Cup roster, which notably omitted several key players. Veteran figures such as Adriana Leon, Shelina Zadorsky, Ashley Lawrence, and Sabrina D’Angelo were left out, along with Jayde Riviere. Emerging attacker Olivia Smith withdrew due to a concussion, leading to defender Megan Reid’s call-up. The squad features 13 players from NWSL clubs, six from European teams, and four representing the burgeoning Canadian NSL league.
The team is looking forward following their impressive 4-1 triumph over Colombia in the competition’s opening match, with goals scored by Vanessa Gilles, Janine Sonis, Sydney Collins, and Nichelle Prince.
Below is Canada’s full roster:
Canada’s 2026 SheBelieves Cup Lineup
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)
Awaiting Penalty Shootouts?
The 2026 SheBelieves Cup embarks on its second decade, celebrating its 11th year with a new procedural twist. Diverging from prior tournaments, all matches in 2026 that end in a draw after regular time will proceed directly to penalty kicks, bypassing the traditional two overtime periods. Teams victorious in the penalty shootout will be awarded an additional point.
This competition maintains its round-robin format, where teams receive three points for a victory, one point for a draw after regulation, and an additional point for prevailing in a penalty shootout. Should teams be level on points after the last matchday, the initial tie-breaker will be goal difference, followed by the number of goals scored, then the head-to-head result (irrespective of the penalty shootout winner). A fair play system will serve as the ultimate tie-breaker if necessary.
Given that several crucial games between Canada and the United States have been settled by penalties in recent history, it is quite conceivable that the SheBelieves Cup’s updated point system could play a significant role.