Canada announced its official Olympic women’s national team (CanWNT) on Monday, becoming the fourth team in the 12-squad tournament to lock in their 18-player lineup ahead of Wednesday’s deadline.
The only country to make the last three Olympic podiums, all but four players named to the reigning Olympic gold medalists’ roster have previous Olympic experience. Portland Thorns midfielder Jessie Fleming will lead this year’s team as captain.
Last summer was a disappointing one for Canada, punctuated by a record-early World Cup exit. In what amounted to a tumultuous year, head coach Bev Priestman’s squad also faced off-pitch labor disputes as well as all-time leading international goal scorer Christine Sinclair’s retirement from international soccer.
“I believe we have a squad that blends experience and youth, is positionally balanced, and possesses incredible athleticism and football talent,” coach Bev Priestman said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Brazil became the latest national soccer team to release its 18-player Olympic roster.
The lineup features several familiar faces, including NWSL stars Tarciane (Houston Dash), Rafaelle (Orlando Pride), Adriana (Orlando Pride), Kerolin (NC Courage), and Marta (Orlando Pride). Angelina (Orlando Pride) and Lauren (KC Current) will travel with the team 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, with global soccer legend Marta announcing her impending retirement from international play in late April. The tournament marks the 38-year-old’s sixth Olympics, and will likely be her final international outing.
Should she find the back of the net in Paris, Marta will become the first player — male or female — to score in six-consecutive Summer Games. She’s currently the all-time leading goal scorer for both club and country, registering 35 career goals for the Orlando Pride alongside 199 for Brazil.
Half of Brazil’s lineup also appeared in last year’s World Cup under previous head coach Pia Sundhage. However, noteworthy striker Debinha, who plays for the NWSL’s unbeaten Kansas City Current, did not make the Olympic cut.