Denmark Punishes Canada’s Errors in 4-3 Toronto Friendly Win

Defensive errors proved costly for Canada as Denmark secured a 4-3 victory in their women's international soccer friendly at BMO Field in Toronto on Monday, October 12, 2026. Olivia Holdt scored twice and provided an assist, helping the 12th-ranked Danes withstand a second-half comeback by the ninth-ranked Canadians. According to The Canadian Press and The Globe and Mail, Denmark scored three times in nine minutes during the first half after Canada had taken an early lead.

The result followed Friday's 1-1 draw in Montreal, where Canada prevailed 4-2 in an unofficial penalty shootout. Canada's defensive mistakes contributed to its heaviest goals-against total since its 4-0 defeat to co-host Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, The Globe and Mail reported. The Canadians now face the CONCACAF W Championship in November, with qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at stake.

Delaney Pridham opened the scoring in the 10th minute, converting after Kaylee Hunter headed the ball into the penalty area following a corner. The goal was Pridham's first for Canada's senior women's national team.

Canada nearly doubled its advantage when Olivia Smith shot from outside the penalty area in the 18th minute. Denmark goalkeeper Freja Thisgaard deflected the attempt onto the post, keeping the visitors within reach. Denmark equalized in the 24th minute after Holdt took possession following a miscontrolled pass involving Canadian midfielder Julia Grosso and defender Kadeisha Buchanan. Spotting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan away from her line, Holdt struck from distance and sent the ball over her into the net.

Pernille Harder put Denmark ahead in the 27th minute after Sofie Bredgaard's attempt struck the crossbar and Canada failed to clear the rebound. Holdt then scored again in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on another turnover to give Denmark a 3-1 halftime lead. Canada responded after the break. In the 49th minute, Smith set up substitute Evelyne Viens, whose sliding attempt deflected off a defender and bounced into the top corner, reducing the deficit to 3-2.

Janni Thomsen restored Denmark's two-goal advantage in the 61st minute, finishing between two defenders to make it 4-2. Smith brought Canada within one in the 70th minute with a long-range effort that slipped through Thisgaard's hands and legs before crossing the goal line. Despite Canada's late pressure, including a shot on target in the final seconds, Denmark held on for the win.

The result gave the Danes a victory in the two-match series after Friday's draw. Canada coach Casey Stoney made seven changes to the starting lineup used in Montreal, according to The Globe and Mail. The Toronto lineup featured Smith alongside 18-year-old Kaylee Hunter and 29-year-old Pridham in a reshaped attacking group.

The match also marked the international farewell of Canadian defender Allysha Chapman. The 37-year-old entered in the 89th minute to earn her 100th cap, then received recognition after the game.

Before kickoff, captain Jessie Fleming, Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence were honored for reaching 150 international appearances. Former Canadian forward Melissa Tancredi, who scored 27 goals in 125 appearances, was recognized at halftime for her induction into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame. Denmark has already qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil after finishing atop its UEFA qualifying group. Canada is scheduled to open its CONCACAF W Championship campaign against No. 54 Panama on November 28, with the tournament serving as a qualifying competition for the Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.