Head coach Casey Stoney has unveiled the Canadian women’s soccer squad that will take on Denmark in a pair of friendlies next month. The 24-player roster released on Tuesday features some of the country’s best-known players, including Arsenal striker Olivia Smith, veteran Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan and Portland Thorns midfielder Jessie Fleming. Stoney is also integrating some newcomers into the group, such as 18-year-old AFC Toronto forward Kaylee Hunter who tallied four goals for Canada at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland this month. Canada Soccer says forward Jordyn Huitema (Chicago Red Stars) and defender Jayde Riviere (Manchester United) were not available for selection due to injuries, while Annabelle Chukwu (University of Notre Dame) could not be called up because of academic commitments. The ninth-ranked Canadians will host No. 12 Denmark in Montreal on Oct. 9 before the two teams meet again in Toronto on Oct. 12. It’s a busy fall for the national team as Stoney and her players prepare for the CONCACAF W Championship in November. The tournament acts as a qualifier for both the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “We haven’t had everyone together since June, so there’s a real excitement about coming into camp, seeing each other again and getting back on the pitch,” Stoney said of her team. “These two games are an important opportunity for us to continue building and test ourselves against a strong Denmark side. To play in front of our supporters in Montreal and Toronto makes all of this even more special.” ROSTER GOALKEEPERS: Melissa Dagenais (Ottawa Rapid FC), Sabrina D’Angelo (AFC Toronto), Lysianne Proulx (Ipswich Town FC), and Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage) DEFENDERS: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea FC), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit), Sydney Collins (Bay FC), Vanessa Gilles (FC Bayern Munich), Ashley Lawrence (OL Lyonnes), Jade Rose (Manchester City WFC), Janine Sonis (Denver Summit FC), Shelina Zadorsky (AFC Toronto) MIDFIELDERS: Marie-Yasmine Alidou (Montreal Roses FC), Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns FC), Simi Awujo (Manchester United WFC), Julia Grosso (Chicago Red Stars), Emma Regan (Denver Summit FC), Carly Wickenheiser (North Carolina Courage) FORWARDS: Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto), Cloé Lacasse (Utah Royals FC), Delaney Baie Pridham (Ottawa Rapid FC), Nichelle Prince (Boston Legacy FC), Olivia Smith (Arsenal W.F.C.), Evelyne Viens (Paris FC) This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2026.
