Canada Builds Scoring Attack Ahead of Denmark Tests

Canada’s women’s national soccer team is using two home matches against Denmark in Montreal and Toronto to refine its attack, test its identity, and prepare for the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which will determine qualification paths for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games.

According to TSN, scoring has been a major focus for Canada after the team identified offensive improvement as a priority. The ninth-ranked Canadians face No. 12 Denmark, with matches scheduled at Stade Saputo and BMO Field.

Canada coach Casey Stoney said the Denmark series is intended as a competitive test rather than a routine warm-up. Sportsnet reported that the team is also trying to improve its ranking position ahead of future World Cup draw considerations.

"It’s not an exhibition," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach. "This is a game we are here to perform and win … So this is not a friendly. This is about performance, this is about making sure we build on what we’ve built over the last 16 to 18 months against an opponent, how we can take our performances to the next level."

The matches are part of Canada’s final preparation period before the Concacaf W Championship. The team is seeking more creativity while maintaining its defensive strength.

"This team’s always been hard to beat. We don’t want to lose that. That’s really, really important," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Stoney added that Canada must take more attacking risks to create chances while keeping its defensive foundation.

"But we need to take different risks now to try and create more opportunities to score goals while remaining hard to beat." Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Canada is also using matches against strong European opponents to develop a winning mentality before qualification matches.

"It’s very much about performance but it’s also about trying to create that winning mindset," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Canada has a 3-3-0 record against Denmark and last defeated the team 1-0 at the 2017 Algarve Cup in Portugal. Defender Gabrielle Carle said Denmark provides valuable preparation.

"Denmark is a very good side, already qualified (for the World Cup), came first in a group that had Italy and Sweden, so really good team," Carle said, Canada Defender.

Stoney said Denmark’s organization and attacking threats will challenge Canada’s ability to manage possession and transitions.

"They’re very hardworking, they’re very organized, they’re hard to break down," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

"And they’ve got threats on the counter. Let’s not hide away from the fact they have some world-class players on their team." Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

The coach said Canada wants to become a team capable of challenging elite opponents by combining creativity with resilience.

"This is about how do we build a team that knows they can beat anyone on their day? No fear," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

"We want to take on the best teams. This is what it’s about." Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Stoney also highlighted the growth of Canada’s domestic Northern Super League, saying increased visibility could help develop future national team players.

"I don’t think it’s a coincidence that five or six years later they win the Euros," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

She said hosting national team matches in Canada is important as the program prepares for a major qualification period.

"It’s massive, it’s really important," Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Stoney said the league gives Canadian players a stronger domestic pathway and more opportunities to continue developing at home.

"It’s long overdue that there’s a professional league and a place and a platform for our players to play, and especially those young players as well that are coming through the national teams. They now have a place to play, they don’t have to just go to one environment or have to move home or move countries. They can now play at home.

It’s definitely a game-changer here." Stoney said, Women’s National Team Head Coach.