WWC 2023 Draw: Preview and Canada’s Records

As the draw for next year’s Women’s World Cup approaches, here is a breakdown of the opponents that Canada could potentially face. Based on the most recent FIFA rankings, Canada will be in pot two for the draw. Given Canada is from CONCACAF, Canada cannot face the USA (pot one), Costa Rica (pot three), or Jamaica (pot three) in the group stages. However, Canada is able to face a CONCACAF opponent if they were to win one of inter-continental play-off spots and are drawn into Canada’s group.

POT ONE

New Zealand

One of the hosts for next year’s WWC, New Zealand would not be unfamilair foes for Canada. Canada and New Zealand have been in the same group for both the 2015 and 2019 WWCs. In 2015, the teams played to a 0–0 draw. In 2019, Canada came out victorious in Grenoble with a 2–0 win. Most recently, Canada played New Zealand on its Victory Tour in 2021. Canada won the two games by scores of 5–1 and 1–0.

Canada Record: 10–4–1

Australia

The other host for 2023, Australia are also familiar to Canada. Canada recently played Australia in September 2022, winning the games 1–0 and 2–1 — even with a depleted roster. Australia is a tough challenge, especially given their firepower up front, but Canada is capable of winning. Even down a player after Shelina Zadorsky’s red card at the 2016 Olympics, Canada won by a score of 2–0, courtesy of Janine Beckie and Christine Sinclair.

Canada Record: 8–3–7

Canada have played Australia frequently over the years, with mixed results.

Sweden

Sweden v Canada may be a wonderful rivalry in the making. In 2019, Canada lost to Sweden in the Round of 16. In 2021, Canada beat Sweden in penalties to win the gold medal. If Sweden is drawn into Canada’s group for the WWC, this will surely be the marquee match of the group.

Canada Record: 6–4–14

Germany

Germany would be a formidable foe for Canada. While Canada’s two wins against Germany came recently (2016, 2–1; 2022, 1–0), the odds certainly are not in Canada’s favour. Led by strong offence and a talented midfield, this would be one of Canada’s toughest draws.

Canada Record: 2–0–15

England

England may very well be one of the best opponents for Canada to come out of pot one. Canada have not lost to England recently, with recent results a draw and a win. (If we include Great Britain at last year’s Olympics, Canada drew GB after an unfortunate own goal.) Under Sarina Weigman, the European champions are certainly a tough team, but Canada is usually able to weather the English attack.

Canada Record: 7–1–7

France

Canada has beat France twice in recent major tournaments: the bronze medal match in 2012, and in the quarter-finals at the Rio Olympics. France, however, is a tough opponent, and one that — in my opinion — Canada should play before the WWC to assess how Canada reacts to a team that is defensively sound with extreme firepower up top.

Canada Record: 5–3–7

Spain

Unfortunately, Spain is a bit hard to assess given the current state of affairs between the players and the federation. While Spain beat the USA decisively earlier this month, the team was very different than Spain’s best starting XI. Either way, it will be a tough test for Canada — but if Spain’s big names return, this may be a team Canada would rather avoid in the group stages.

Canada Record: 0–1–2

Canada have never beaten Spain, and will likely want to avoid drawing them in their group.

POT THREE

Denmark

While Canada has never lost to Denmark, the all-time goal differential is -5 for Canada. This suggests that Denmark may prove to be the type of team that gives Canada so much trouble: they score, and they score a lot. Led by Pernille Harder, Denmark should not be underestimated.

Canada Record: 3–0–3

Switzerland

Switzerland lost to Canada in the Round of 16 at the 2015 WWC courtesy of a Josée Belanger stunner. Other than that one matchup, these two teams haven’t recently met in major tournaments. This would be a match Canada would be expected to win, but may prove more difficult than expected.

Canada Record: 4–1–0

Republic of Ireland

Making their WWC debut next year, the Republic of Ireland should not be underestimated. Canada has only played this team once, back in the 2014 Cyprus Cup. The scoreline was 2–1, thanks to goals from Diana Matheson and Sophie Schmidt.

Canada Record: 1–0–0

Colombia

It has been ten years since Canada has played Colombia. In 2011, Canada won 2–1 courtesy of goals from Kaylyn Kyle and Robyn Gayle. In 2012, Canada won 1–0, thanks to a goal from Christine Sinclair. This suggests that Colombia is one of those teams that frustrates Canada: low block, hard to score against. Canada will need to be careful against Colombia if drawn into the same group.

Canada Record: 2–0–0

Argentina

Canada is fresh off a win against Argentina earlier this month (2–0). While Canada’s record may suggest these wins have been easy, anyone watching the 2021 She Believes Cup knows that Argentina fights hard, and does well at stifling Canada’s attack.

Canada Record: 6–0–0

Vietnam

Vietnam is a completely untested team for Canada. Ranked 34th in the world, the team has had a mixed bag of results in 2022. If drawn into Canada’s group, we may be seeing more Asian opponents in the friendlies before the WWC.

Canada Record: 0–0–0

POT FOUR

Nigeria

Canada has had a tough time against Nigeria. Earlier this year, Canada played to a 2–0 win before drawing 2–2 three days later. Nigeria is a strong team offensively, and has incredible speed.

Canada Record: 2–2–1

Philippines

This is another untested team for Canada. They made it to the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Recently, they have lost to New Zealand (2–1) and lost to and drawn Costa Rica (2–1, 1–1). Clearly, the Philippines are capable of scoring goals.

Canada Record: 0–0–0

South Africa

Canada beat South Africa 3–0 in the group stages of the 2012 Olympics — Melissa Tancredi and a brace from Christine Sinclair sealed the deal. Before that, these two teams played in 2010, winning 2–1. Given the lack of recent matchups, this would be an interesting opponent for Canada in the group stage.

Canada Record: 2–0–0

Canada have not played South Africa since 2012.

Morocco

Canada won its most recent friendly (October 2022) 4–0 against Morocco. The previous two match-ups were about twenty years ago, and don’t give an accurate depiction of where both teams sit today. While Morocco played with a depleted squad, so did Canada, which should give the Reds lots of confidence should they meet again in the WWC.

Canada Record: 2–0–1

Zambia

This is yet another untested opponent for Canada. Earlier this year, Zambia drew against Morocco, which indicates a similar level of opponent.

Canada Record: 0–0–0

Play-off Group Winners

There are three slots in pot four for the winners of Groups A, B, and C at the inter-confederation play-offs, which will be held in February 2023. The competing teams are:

Cameroon (Canada Record: 1–0–0)

Thailand (Canada Record: 0–0–0)

Portugal (Canada Record: 2–1–0)

Senegal (Canada Record: 0–0–0)

Haiti (Canada Record: 3–0–0)

Chile (Canada Record: 1–0–1)

Chinese Taipei (Canada Record: 0–0–1)

Paraguay (Canada Record: 0–0–0)

Papua New Guinea (Canada Record: 0–0–0)

Panama (Canada Record: 3–0–0)

Written by Laura Bryan (@brylaura11)