The 2024 SheBelieves Cup kicks off on Saturday, with four of the best international women’s soccer teams (Canada, Brazil, Japan and the United States) going head-to-head for the coveted trophy.
Saturday marks the start of the ninth annual invitational tournament, which runs between April 6-9 in the United States. Reigning Olympic champion Canada will hope to beat its American rival on home soil. However, standing in Les Rouges’ way is Brazil, which Canada will face in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon.
Here's what you need to know about Canada vs. Brazil at the SheBelieves Cup, including players to watch, the tournament format and more.
New format
In the past, the SheBelieves Cup would see four teams play each other, with the top team being crowned champions. Last year, the United States won the honour after it was the only team to win all three of its matches.
This time around, the format has changed due to international time constraints. On Saturday, the United States will face Japan (12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT) in the first semifinal, and Canada will face Brazil (3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT) in the second semifinal. Both semifinals will be played in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The two winning teams will play in the final on Tuesday, while the losing teams face off for third place on the same day. These matches will be played in Columbus, Ohio, at Lower.com Field.
Lessons from the Concacaf W Gold Cup
Both Canada and Brazil head into the April international window after losing to the United States in March’s Concacaf W Gold Cup. Canada lost on penalties in the semifinals, while Brazil lost 1-0 in the gold-medal game.
Brazil’s downfall at the Gold Cup was its inability to maintain pressure. Despite a bright start in the finals and forcing the American backline to make quick decisions, Arthur Elias’ squad was unable to generate fruitful scoring chances in the second half. Remaining aggressive and tactical the full 90 minutes is something Brazil will look to do against Canada, and something Canada should be prepared for.
On the other hand, Canada’s loss to the Americans was more controversial. The teams battled it out on a rain-logged pitch — which didn’t showcase the skills of the players on either side. A positive from Canada was that it showed great resilience, twice fighting back to level the score, which will be essential on Saturday. However, when it came to penalties, the attempts by Jessie Fleming, Jordyn Huitema and Adriana Leon were very poor. Due to the quality at the SheBelieves Cup, it's possible any match could go to penalties. If Canada finds itself in a penalty situation again, shots must be varied and confident, rather than at a more saveable mid-level.
Canada, Brazil must capitalize on roster changes
Since Canada and Brazil’s shocking group stage exits at last summer’s World Cup, the women’s soccer powerhouses have seen a handful of changes on and off the pitch.
The South Americans fired manager Pia Sundhage and hired Elias in her place. Meanwhile, Canada kept its leader, Bev Priestman, but lost two veterans and legends in Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt.
In the last six months, Aston Villa winger Adriana Leon and Arsenal striker Cloé Lacasse have been strong on the attack (especially Leon, who earned the Gold Cup’s Golden Boot). The two will be bolstered by the Portland Thorns’ Janine Beckie, who’s back with Canada after an ACL tear. Beckie’s consistency, vision and ability to set up goal-scoring chances will complement new captain Fleming and add additional leadership that’s been missing since Sinclair’s departure.
Additionally, Kansas City Current midfielder Desiree Scott returns to the fold after a lengthy absence with a knee injury. The 36-year-old’s aggressive and physical playing style, highlighted by her fearlessness, tackling ability and strength in both boxes, will be vital on Saturday as Brazil’s Ary Borges, Debinha and Geyse are not short on power and attacking finesse.
While Canada welcomes back Beckie and Scott for the SheBelieves Cup, youngster Olivia Smith and mainstay Quinn will be unavailable due to injuries. Emma Regan and Marie-Yasmine Alidou take their places.
The opposition is also missing a few key players. Debinha suffered a hamstring injury with the Current and Elias’ team will surely miss her aggressiveness, authority and technical ability. Additionally, Rafaelle, part of the Gold Cup’s best XI for completing more than 92 per cent of her passes, isn’t fully fit after sustaining a foot injury at the end of the tournament.
That said, Brazil still has its fair share of star power. Marta and Cristiane, who have over 300 caps combined for the South Americans, provide experience and stability off the bench. Borges and Zaneratto, who are both on form in the NWSL, will also suit up for Brazil, while Ludmila, the fiery and stylish Atletico Madrid striker, returns to the squad. The 29-year-old is known for her clutch ability as she scored the only goal against the Americans in last year’s SheBelieves Cup.
New threads for Canada and Brazil
Last month, Nike and Adidas dropped their newest lines of international soccer kits, which both Canada and Brazil will wear on Saturday for the first time.
Canada Soccer described its 2024 home-and-away kits as being “Inspired by Tomorrow.” The new threads feature a heritage Canada wordmark inside the collar to honour Canada’s football icons. The home kit has a two-tone red colourway, and the away kit showcases 13 red stripes to represent the 10 provinces and three territories. While many fans disliked the kits at first (with one fan calling the away jersey “a new era inspired by Tim Hortons”), they look classier and crisper in person.
The Brazilians’ new kits showcase an intricate pattern complete with musical notes, macaws and national landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain to highlight the country’s natural heritage. The colour scheme follows the South Americans’ familiar yellow and green colour scheme, making it immediately recognizable as a Brazil shirt. Both home-and-away jerseys feature the classic CBF crest, which will be worn in the middle of the shirt for the first time since 2004.
Players to watch
Janine Beckie, Canada: After missing most of last year because of an ACL tear, Beckie is back with a vengeance. The 29-year-old returned to the NWSL last month and made headlines when she scored a brace in the Thorns’ 5-4 loss to the Current. Despite a shaky start to the domestic season, Beckie’s positional versatility, ball control and leadership, alongside her goal-scoring abilities, will be vital in Canada’s match up with Brazil.
Yasmim, Brazil: The defender was on fire during the Gold Cup, seemingly involved in every goal Brazil scored at the tournament. Despite being a strong defender, the 27-year-old isn’t afraid to show her attacking threat. Last month, she scored two in seven shots at the Gold Cup, including a crafty back-heel goal. Additionally, Yasmim is consistent — last time out against the United States, she completed 48 of 50 passes.
