This summer, the Canadian women’s national soccer team will join 11 other countries fighting for Olympic glory in France.
In September, Canada defeated Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate in a two-game series to earn the last Concacaf spot at the Games. But the reigning Olympic champions will have some tough competition as No. 23 Colombia, No. 28 New Zealand and hosts France (No. 3) were drawn into its group, Group A, on Wednesday.
Colombia has been slowly gaining confidence and prestige thanks to its star, Linda Caicedo. France will be looking to make a splash on home soil while finally earning an international trophy. New Zealand might be the underdogs of the group, but with Hannah Wilkinson and CJ Bott suited up, anything is possible.
Here’s a closer look at Canada’s group stage opponents in Paris, as well as the Olympic format.
OLYMPIC FORMAT
Women’s soccer at the Olympics will kick off on July 25 and will play over two-and-a-half weeks in seven different French cities.
In the group stage, 12 teams will be separated into three groups of four teams. All group games will take place on July 25, 28 and 31. From there, the group winners, runners-up and the two best third-place teams will advance to the knockouts.
CANADA
FIFA World Ranking: 9
Tokyo 2020 result: Gold medal (defeated Sweden in penalties)
The Road to Paris 2024: Canada earned Paris 2024’s final Concacaf spot after defeating Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate at BMO Field in Toronto in September 2023.
The Head Coach: Bev Priestman
The Starting XI: Kailen Sheridan, Kadeisha Buchanan, Vanessa Gilles, Jade Rose, Gabby Carle, Quinn, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Cloe Lacasse, Adriana Leon, Jordyn Huitema
The X Factor: At last month’s Concacaf W Gold Cup, Adriana Leon was a game changer. The 31-year-old started strong with a brace in Canada’s opener over El Salvador, followed by a hat trick against Paraguay. The tournament’s Golden Boot winner also scored a crucial late equalizer against the U.S. in the semifinals, proving her ability under pressure. Since moving to Aston Villa in the Women's Super League earlier this year, Leon has gained confidence, leadership and a nose for net – which will help Canada succeed in Paris.
The Scouting Report: Changes needed to be made after Canada’s early exit at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where it failed to make it out of the group stage for the first time since 2011. Thus far, Priestman’s 3-4-3 formation at the Gold Cup did the trick, as Les Rouges controlled the ball from the middle and moved it up the pitch. At the World Cup, Canada looked subpar on attack, which didn’t show at the Gold Cup (semifinals aside). So, there is hope Canada is fixing its scoring problem, even if just against lower-ranked opponents. That said, Canada was hardly tested at the Gold Cup, so its challenge will be remaining lethal and focused the whole 90 minutes against top teams.
FRANCE
FIFA World Ranking: 3
Tokyo 2020 result: Did not qualify
The Road to Paris 2024: Automatically qualified as hosts
The Head Coach: Hervé Renard
The Starting XI: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Sakina Karchaoui, Wendie Renard, Maëlle Lakrar, Élisa De Almedia, Selma Bacha, Grace Geyoro, Sandie Toletti, Kenza Dali, Eugénie Le Sommer, Kadidiatou Diani
The X Factor: Kadidiatou Diani knows how to score goals. At the World Cup last summer, the 28-year-old scored four goals in four attempts, including a hat trick against Panama. For Lyon, the 2022-23 Player of the Season has proved she can set up goals too. In Division 1 Féminine, she has recorded three goals and eight assists in 12 matches this season, and will look to do the same in Paris. The striker is powerful, aggressive, an exceptional dribbler and will stop at nothing to secure a win.
The Scouting Report: As hosts, the 2024 Olympics are a big deal for Renard’s squad after missing out on the last Games in Tokyo. Moreover, considering its talent, it’s hard to believe France hasn’t had much success internationally when it comes to trophies. However, France is in its new era with Renard, and have looked the most unified and passionate since Corinne Diacre’s exit. Previously, France’s issue has been discontent and lack of cohesion in the dressing room. But with veterans Renard and Le Sommer leading the front and backline respectively, plus Diani’s attacking threat and a coach who is bringing together the squad, the stars might align for France on home soil.
COLOMBIA
FIFA World Ranking: 23
Tokyo 2020 result: Did not qualify
The Road to Paris 2024: Colombia earned its spot in its third Olympic Games after beating Argentina 1-0 in the Copa America Femenina semifinals in 2022.
The Head Coach: Angelo Marsiglia (interim)
The Starting XI: Natalia Giraldo, Carolina Arias, Jorelyn Carabali, Daniela Arias, Manuela Vanegas, Ilana Izquierdo, Lorena Bedoya, Daniela Montoya, Catalina Usme, Mayra Ramirez, Linda Caidedo.
The X Factor: Linda Caicedo, the 18-year-old sensation, is known for her quick feet, speed and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities in unlikely scenarios. In December, the Real Madrid forward received the 2023 Golden Girl award, given to the year’s best young player. Off the field, Caicedo was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 15. In only three years, she beat the disease, joined one of the best women’s club teams and had a breakout World Cup for her country, scoring the goal of the tournament. Caicedo is not to be underestimated.
The Scouting Report: Colombia is ranked shockingly low in the world rankings considering its quality. Last summer, Las Cafeteras made history by making it all the way to the quarterfinals on the world’s stage. Despite losing to England 2-1, Colombia proved they can make deep runs in tournaments and compete with aggression, precision and finesse. Boasting some of the game’s top talents in Mayra Ramirez and Catalina Usme, Marsiglia’s squad has been gaining confidence and results over the last few years. Colombia’s strengths are its speed and ball control, but sometimes lack awareness — seen in a 3-0 loss to the U.S. in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf W Gold Cup. If it can stay locked in this summer, it’ll be tough to say which teams will advance to the next round.
NEW ZEALAND
FIFA World Ranking: 28
Tokyo 2020 result: Fourth in Group G (did not win a match)
The Road to Paris 2024: New Zealand qualified for Paris 2024 with a thumping 11-1 win over Solomon Islands in the OFC preliminary final.
The Head Coach: Jitka Klimková
The Starting XI: Victoria Esson, Rebekah Stott, CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Ria Percival, Olivia Chance, Daisy Cleverley, Jacqui Hand, Betsy Hassett, Hannah Wilkinson, Paige Satchell.
The X Factor: Hannah Wilkinson made headlines when she scored the first goal of last summer’s World Cup on home soil, upsetting Norway in the process and helping to earn New Zealand’s first-ever win at a World Cup. The 31-year-old is the Football Ferns’ glue, providing energy and leadership. That said, CJ Bott is just as important for her defensive strength and willingness to move the ball up the field.
The Scouting Report: Despite soaring through the Olympic qualifying tournament, the Football Ferns haven’t been in the best form recently, likely due to a slew of injuries. New Zealand will have it tough in Group A, but that doesn’t mean it can’t put up a fight. Klimková’s side can quickly adapt to new playing styles and switch play when necessary, which will be useful against the pesky Colombians and aggressive French. Looking ahead, New Zealand’s issue will be finding the net. Despite Bott’s versatility and Wilkinson’s strength, it cannot rely on those two players alone to get the job done.
