Canada unveiled their official Olympic women’s national team (CanWNT) on Monday, making them the fourth team out of 12 to finalize their 18-player roster before the Wednesday deadline.
The reigning Olympic gold medalists, who have stood on the podium in the last three Olympics, have selected a roster with all but four players having previous Olympic experience. Jessie Fleming, a midfielder for the Portland Thorns, will lead the team as captain this year.
Canada’s past year was challenging, marked by an early exit from the World Cup. In addition to on-pitch struggles, the team also navigated off-pitch labor disputes and the retirement of Christine Sinclair, the all-time leading international goal scorer.
“I believe we have a squad that blends experience and youth, is positionally balanced, and possesses incredible athleticism and football talent,” stated coach Bev Priestman.
Brazil also announced their 18-player Olympic roster on Tuesday, featuring familiar faces from the NWSL like Tarciane (Houston Dash), Rafaelle (Orlando Pride), Adriana (Orlando Pride), Kerolin (NC Courage), and Marta (Orlando Pride). Angelina (Orlando Pride) and Lauren (KC Current) will serve as alternates.
Prazer, @JogosOlimpicos! Estamos prontas. Chegou a hora. Mais um capítulo da nossa história sendo escrito.
Com vocês, o elenco de atletas que irão representar com muito orgulho a #SeleçãoFeminina! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/YS3RPhLDyR
— Seleção Feminina de Futebol (@SelecaoFeminina) July 2, 2024
All eyes were on Brazil’s new head coach Arthur Elias and his roster, especially with Marta announcing her impending retirement from international play. This will be Marta’s sixth Olympics, with the 38-year-old likely making her final international appearance.
If Marta scores in Paris, she will be the first player, male or female, to score in six consecutive Summer Games. As the all-time leading goal scorer for both club and country, she has 35 career goals for the Orlando Pride and 199 for Brazil.
Half of Brazil’s roster were also part of last year’s World Cup under the previous head coach Pia Sundhage, although striker Debinha of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current did not make the cut for the Olympics.
