World Cup 2023: All you need to know about Canada

Canada come into this World Cup as outsiders but veteran striker Christine Sinclair could inspire them to glory to cap an illustrious career.

However, they did crash out of the 2019 World Cup in the round of 16 and most recently fell short at the 2022 CONCACAF Championships, losing 1-0 to the USA in the final. 

Still, they will be expected to manoeuvre out of Group B and Bev Priestman's side will want to turn some heads in the knockout stages in Australia and New Zealand.

Canada's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Nigeria vs Canada (Friday, July 21, 3.30am) 

Canada vs Ireland (Wednesday, July 26, 1pm) 

Canada vs Australia (Monday, July 31, 11am)

How Canada qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Canada dominated in World Cup qualifying, winning all three matches in a group with Costa Rica, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. 

They finished top of the table, three points ahead of next-best side Costa Rica. 

Their standout result was a 6-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago with Julia Grosso bagging a brace in an impressive win.

Predicted XI

GK: Kailen Sheridan 
RB: Ashley Lawrence 
CB: Vanessa Gilles 
CB: Kadeisha Buchanan 
LB: Allysha Chapman 
CM: Jessie Fleming 
CM: Julia Grosso 
RW: Adriana Leon 
CAM: Christine Sinclair 
LW: Cloe Lacasse 
ST: Jordyn Huitema

Star player: Christine Sinclair

Sinclair, 40, is approaching the end of her career but the striker is still a key figure for Canada. 

She has adapted her game in recent years, dropping deeper to allow her fellow forwards to push higher. 

However, the veteran still remains a significant goal threat and has proven herself a clinical goalscorer on the international stage having netted 190 goals in 322 games for her country.

One to watch: Julia Grosso

Julia Grosso comes into the World Cup off the back of a strong campaign with Juventus. 

She was named Serie A's midfielder of the season, playing 20 games across the campaign as they finished runners-up. 

The 22-year-old also scored the winning penalty at the 2021 Olympics, cementing her place in Canada’s history books.

The boss: Bev Priestman

Priestman, 37, took charge of Canada’s national team in 2020, having previously been England's assistant manager during Phil Neville's tenure. 

She guided them to an impressive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Canada's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Sabrina D'Angelo (Arsenal), Lysianne Proulx (Torrensee), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave).

Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Shelina Zadorsky (Tottenham), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit).

Midfielders: Simi Awujo (USC Trojans), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Julia Grosso (Juventus), Quinn (OL Reign), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash).

Forwards: Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Cloe Lacasse (Arsenal), Adriana Leon (Manchester United), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Deanne Rose (Reading), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstads), Olivia Smith (Penn State). 

All information correct as of July 12