Canada unveiled its official Olympic women’s national team (CanWNT) on Monday, making them the fourth team in the 12-squad tournament to finalize their 18-player roster before the Wednesday deadline.
Having secured a spot on the last three Olympic podiums, almost all players selected for the reigning Olympic gold medalists’ team have previous Olympic experience. Jessie Fleming, midfielder for Portland Thorns, will lead the team as captain this year.
Last summer was a tough one for Canada, highlighted by an early World Cup exit. In a turbulent year, head coach Bev Priestman’s team faced off-field issues as well as 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,” said coach Bev Priestman in a statement.
Brazil also announced its 18-player Olympic roster on Tuesday, featuring familiar names such as NWSL stars 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 new head coach Arthur Elias’s much-anticipated roster, especially with Marta, a global soccer legend, set to retire from international play in April. This will be Marta’s sixth Olympics, and likely her last international appearance.
If Marta scores in Paris, she will be the first player, male or female, to score in six consecutive Summer Games. With 35 career goals for the Orlando Pride and 199 for Brazil, she is currently the all-time leading goal scorer for both club and country.
Half of Brazil’s roster participated in the 2023 World Cup under former head coach Pia Sundhage. However, Debinha, a notable striker for the NWSL’s unbeaten Kansas City Current, did not make the cut for the Olympics.
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