The rivalry between the United States and Canada is one that catches eyes from people all around the world. The two teams have a history that goes all the way back to 1986 and they meet again tonight playing for the title of CONCACAF champion and for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The two teams have met countless times in CONCACAF finals but the northern side has never been able to find their way through. Canada has won the CONCACAF Championship before but never when playing against the United States. Tonight is the sixth meeting in the CONCACAF final for the squads. This rivalry game always had fireworks and there is no doubt that tonight will have some as well. With the biggest stars and talent throughout the team, Canada-United States games never fail to bring out the best in both squads. Let's look back at the three times the two teams have met on one of the biggest stages:
They have also met three different times in the Olympics. First in 2008 when the USWNT beat Canada 2-1 in the quarterfinals as Natasha Kai scored a diving header in the 101st minute to seal the win for the United States. The teams met again in the London 2012 Olympics and the United States once again bested Canada in a 4-3 thriller.
This game ended up being extremely controversial due to the way the United States were able to win a penalty to tie the game. But, the United States were able to go ahead for the win in the 123rd minute thanks to a header from Alex Morgan. This goal is still the latest goal to be scored in FIFA and Olympic history.
The most recent meeting between the two teams in the Olympics was in the Toyko 2020 Olympics. They met again in the semifinals and for the Canadians, they looked to get revenge for the 2012 loss and finally make it to the gold medal match. This time, they were successful. A penalty was conceded by the United States’ Tierna Davidson in the 75th minute.
Canada’s Jessie Fleming stepped up and buried the penalty to put Canada ahead late. The Americans were unable to get one back and the Canadians finally beat the Americans in a major tournament.
Heading into this match, the United States leads the 62-game series, 51-4-7 all time, and 8-0-1 in Concacaf qualification. Both teams have qualified for the 2023 World Cup in Australia/New Zealand but winning this final will get one team qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The two teams both won their individual groups with the United States topping Group A with 9 points and Canada topping Group B with 9 points as well. Both teams won their semifinal matches 3-0. The USWNT played Costa Rica while Canada took on Jamacia.
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