Photo copyright Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The 2026 edition of the SheBelieves Cup kicked off on Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the eleventh running of the annual tournament. Both North American sides in the tournament secured wins, as Canada defeated Colombia 4-1 and the United States topped Argentina 2-0.
Goals from Heaps, Shaw lead USWNT to win over Argentina
The U.S. Women’s National Team opened their 2026 SheBelieves Cup campaign on Sunday evening with a comfortable win over Argentina.
Coach Emma Hayes named a starting eleven that blended experience and fresh faces. The lineup, which averaged 24.5 caps, was lead by captain Lindsey Heaps, and featured four players – Jameese Joseph, Maddie Dahlien, Claudia Dickey, and Kennedy Wesley – making their SheBelieves Cup debuts.
Fans at GEODIS Park didn’t have to wait long for the opener. In the 20th minute, Emma Sears drove into the box from the right flank and delivered a beautiful, precise cross through traffic to Heaps, who calmly slotted the ball in from the edge of the area to put the U.S. ahead.
Argentina managed their first shot on target in the second half, but it was comfortably saved by USWNT keeper Dickey, who earned her eighth cap and start on the night.
The U.S. doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Olivia Moultrie picked up a loose ball and sent it to Heaps, who back-heeled it to Jaedyn Shaw. Shaw beat an Argentine defender to create space for herself then struck the ball cleanly at the edge of the box. Although Argentine keeper Solana Pereyra appeared to get both hands on the ball, it slipped through her fingers and into the back of the net.
While the USWNT can take plenty of positives from the match, it ended on a concerning note when Trinity Rodman took a hard challenge in the back from Argentina’s Milagros Martin. Rodman, who has struggled with a recurring back injury throughout her career, fell to the pitch screaming, which was picked up by the on-field microphones. She eventually was able to stand and leave the field for treatment, but did not return before the final whistle blew.
Canada break scoreless streak with 4-1 win over Colombia
Canada’s women’s national team opened its 2026 campaign in style on Sunday, snapping a five-game losing streak with a convincing 4–1 win over Colombia.
After a difficult end to 2025 that saw the program go five months without scoring, Casey Stoney’s side showed renewed attacking intent despite some early rust. After weathering a clunky start to the match, Canada found their footing. Vanessa Gilles rose above traffic in the 31st minute to power home a header from Janine Sonis’ corner, finally ending Canada’s 485-minute scoring drought and lifting the tension in the squad.
Sonis doubled the lead mid-way through the second half with a picture-perfect free kick from the edge of the area, curling it around the wall and inside the post. Colombian goalkeeper Katherine Tapia, standing frozen on the goal-line, didn’t have a chance.
And Canada kept coming. In the 73rd minute, Marie-Yasmine Alidou rattled the crossbar from distance, and Sydney Collins was in the right place at the right time to head in the rebound for Canada’s third goal of the afternoon. It was Collins’ first senior international goal in her ninth appearance.
Minutes later, Colombia pulled one back after Jade Rose was whistled for a foul in the box. Kailen Sheridan got a hand to the penalty, but the well-hit strike from Leicy Santos had too much pace behind it.
Any hope of a comeback faded when Colombia went down to 10 players following a second yellow card awarded to Gisela Robledo. Nichelle Prince added a fourth goal in the 90th minute to seal it for Les Rouges.
The match also marked debuts for defender Brooklyn Courtnall and striker D.B. Pridham, whose international debut had been expected last year but was delayed due to passport issues, as she is a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen. Holly Ward, coming off a standout first season with Vancouver Rise FC in the Northern Super League, also impressed with her pace and direct play down the flank.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly what Canada needed – goals, energy, and a fresh start to 2026. Next up: the United States in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday.
