USWNT Battles Canada in High-Stakes Allstate Continental Clasico Showdown

In a historic first, the United States women's national soccer team will face off against Canada's women's national team in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clásico.

The two premier Concacaf women's national squads are preparing for an exciting showdown in Washington D.C., concluding a packed month for both nations. The USWNT recently completed two international friendlies against Ireland, securing commanding 4–0 victories in both encounters, while Canada dominated their matches against Haiti and Costa Rica with convincing wins.

Both teams now face their most significant challenge of the summer as they meet at Audi Field. The USWNT and Canada have previously clashed 66 times, with their latest two encounters being settled through penalty shootouts. The Stars and Stripes emerged victorious in both instances, maintaining their four-year winning streak against their northern rivals.

Regardless of past results, the Allstate Continental Clásico presents a fresh chapter in the rivalry between these Concacaf giants. This eagerly awaited match marks the first time the USWNT will participate in an Allstate Continental Clásico, following two previous editions featuring the U.S. men's national team.

The Olympic gold medalists will face pressure to perform on home turf against their rivals. Meanwhile, Canada will embrace the chance to claim their first victory over the Stars and Stripes since 2021.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive guide to the Allstate Continental Clásico.

When Does USWNT vs. Canada Begin?

USWNT vs. Canada Historical Matchup Record

Recent Form (All Competitions)

Television and Streaming Options for USWNT vs. Canada

USWNT Squad Updates

Emma Hayes will again need to manage without several key players, notably the formidable "Triple Espresso" attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman. Rodman continues her recovery from a persistent back problem, while Smith and Swanson are expecting children.

Emily Fox, fresh from helping Arsenal capture the Women's Champions League title, remains unavailable following an exhausting European campaign. Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce is also taking a summer break, leaving Hayes with a roster predominantly composed of NWSL talent.

Many seasoned USWNT veterans are expected to return to Hayes's starting eleven after the manager completely rotated her squad for the second Ireland match. The former Chelsea manager might choose to field her third different goalkeeper in three games, potentially giving Angelina Anderson her USWNT debut opportunity.

The primary question mark surrounds Rose Lavelle; the midfielder recently returned to international duty after missing nearly seven months with an ankle problem. Her playing time remains carefully monitored, but she should start as the No. 10 provided she's physically prepared for the full 90 minutes.

USWNT Expected Starting XI vs. Canada

USWNT predicted lineup vs. Canada (4-2-3-1): Anderson; Patterson, Sonnett, Girma, Reale; Coffey, Hutton; Cooper, Lavelle, Thompson; Biyendolo

Key USWNT Players to Monitor

With numerous established players absent, several USWNT squad members are capitalizing on opportunities to demonstrate their value to Hayes. Alyssa Thompson particularly maximized her two Ireland appearances. The 20-year-old, who entered this window with only one international goal, scored in both matches.

Even more remarkable was Thompson's goal at TQL Stadium, scored just seven minutes after entering as a substitute. While no one can perfectly replicate Smith's contributions up front, Thompson has integrated smoothly into Hayes's attacking system during the Portland Thorns forward's absence.

Avery Patterson represents another emerging talent who impressed during camp. The 23-year-old earned her start in the first Ireland match and netted her maiden USWNT goal.

The Houston Dash star possesses the versatility to cover right-back in Fox's absence while also being capable of playing right wing, right wing-back, or right midfield as needed. Patterson's dribbling skills and creative vision could prove crucial in breaking down Canada's organized defensive structure.

Canada Squad Updates

In contrast to the United States, Canada has most of their strongest lineup available for the Audi Field encounter. Kailen Sheridan, Ashley Lawrence, Jessie Fleming and Adriana Leon are all anticipated to feature in the Allstate Continental Clásico as the Reds seek to overcome the Stars and Stripes on American territory.

Casey Stoney will still miss Kadeisha Buchanan, however. The Chelsea center-back suffered an ACL tear in November and remains in rehabilitation. Buchanan boasts 140 international appearances and played every minute of Canada's 2024 Paris Olympics run.

The positive news for the Reds is that Stoney has reliable, steady defenders to complete her backline. The manager will be more concerned about her attack, which remained scoreless against Costa Rica until the 70th minute in their previous outing. Nichelle Prince provides an alternative up front should Stoney decide to alter her forward line.

Canada Expected Starting XI vs. USWNT

Canada predicted lineup vs. USWNT (4-2-3-1): Sheridan; Levasseur, Gilles, Zadorsky, Lawrence; Awujo, Grosso; Leon, Fleming, Ward; Viens

Key Canada Players to Monitor

Following her absence from Canada's Costa Rica match, Vanessa Gilles is positioned to feature against the USWNT. The center-back's physical presence could prove decisive for the visitors in disrupting the Stars and Stripes' youthful squad.

Gilles also poses a significant set-piece threat for Canada. With an inexperienced goalkeeper behind a somewhat improvised defensive line for the U.S., the Lyon defender could dramatically shift the match in the Reds' favor. After all, Gilles scored nine goals for her club during the previous season.

Regarding goalscoring, Holly Ward is rapidly ascending within the CANWNT hierarchy. In merely three international appearances, the 21-year-old has already found the net twice. She actually scored the decisive goal for Canada against Costa Rica less than a week prior.

The Vancouver Rise striker brings an exciting new dimension to an otherwise established squad. Ward has demonstrated fearlessness in crucial moments and can utilize her pace, creativity and clinical finishing to help Canada secure an important goal.

USWNT vs. Canada Match Prediction

The USWNT may not achieve the same offensive output they managed against Ireland, but the Stars and Stripes still possess sufficient attacking quality to penetrate a Canada defense missing Buchanan. Under Lynn Biyendolo's leadership, the USWNT's offense will certainly create opportunities in the final third to capitalize against the Reds, who have conceded in their last four consecutive matches.

Canada's situation isn't helped by the fact that the Stars and Stripes have suffered only two defeats since Hayes assumed control last summer. Playing before a home crowd in the nation's capital just two days prior to Independence Day, the Olympic champions should hold the advantage over Stoney's squad.

Prediction: USWNT 2–0 Canada