Women's World Cup 2023: How Canada's roster has changed since the Tokyo Olympics

The Canadian women's national team is preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. After winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Canada enters the tournament as one of the favorites to claim the title. However, the team's roster has undergone some significant changes since the Olympics, which could impact their chances of success. Key players like Janine Beckie and Desiree Scott will be sidelined due to injuries, while Stephanie Labbé and Erin McLeod have retired. On the other hand, the team welcomes new talent in rising stars Olivia Smith, Simi Awujo, Julia Grosso, and Adriana Leon, who are eager to make their mark on the World Cup stage.

Injuries have dealt a blow to Canada's World Cup campaign, with Janine Beckie, a key forward, sidelined due to an ACL tear suffered during a pre-season match. Desiree Scott, a veteran known for her aggressive play, will also be absent due to knee surgery. The retirement of goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé, who played a crucial role in Canada's Olympic success, leaves a void that will be filled by Kailen Sheridan, an accomplished goalkeeper who is regarded as one of the best in the women's game. Erin McLeod, another goalkeeper, has also retired, passing on her role as a reliable backup to Sabrina D'Angelo. Despite these challenges, Canada introduces new talent in Olivia Smith, an 18-year-old rising star who has chosen to forgo her NCAA eligibility to play professionally.

The upcoming Women's World Cup will provide an opportunity for emerging talents like Olivia Smith and Simi Awujo to shine on the international stage. Smith's lethal finishing ability and game-winning mentality make her a valuable addition to the squad, while Awujo, a promising young player, aims to make her mark and secure a spot for the Paris Games next summer. Rising star Julia Grosso, who scored the game-winning penalty in the Olympic final, will now transition from a substitute to a starting player, utilizing her speed and skill to contribute to Canada's attack. Adriana Leon, who had limited minutes in Tokyo, is now in top form and will join the starting lineup, using her goal-scoring prowess and dribbling ability to create opportunities.

As Canada heads into the Women's World Cup, the team will need to adapt to the changes in its roster. The legendary Christine Sinclair, one of the greatest players in Canadian history, may take on a playmaking role due to her age, while younger talents step up in the starting lineup. The team's Group B matches against Nigeria, Ireland, and Australia will provide tough competition, and Coach Bev Priestman emphasizes the importance of adapting to different styles of play while leveraging their strengths. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, Canada's performance in the tournament will be eagerly watched as they aim to make their mark and contend for the title.