Five Things to Watch: CANWNT’s October Road Trip — Switzerland & Netherlands

Here is a preview of the key storylines as Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team (CANWNT) embarks on a challenging October window, opening in Lucerne against Switzerland on 24 October and closing in Nijmegen vs. the Netherlands on 28 October. Here are five themes to follow this window: 

1. Reintegrating Experience & Debutants

Head Coach Casey Stoney has opted for a 24-player roster that blends seasoned internationals with new faces. After a few months out of camp, one of the primary objectives for Canada is to see how quickly the group can find cohesion. Among the callups: 

• Sydney Collins returns from a long injury layoff.  

• Emily Burns, Kaylee Hunter, and Florianne Jourde all earn their first senior callups.  

Coach Casey Stoney will be keen to monitor how these players adapt under pressure, what they bring to the squad dynamic, and whether they can contribute meaningful minutes in tough European conditions.

2. How Club Form Will Carry Over

Canada Soccer’sWomen’s National Team heads into the October window with a mix of established stars and emerging talents building club-momentum ahead of friendlies vs. Switzerland and the Netherlands. 

• Jessie Fleming (Midfielder – Portland Thorns FC): Continuing to anchor the midfield with consistent minutes and control. Fleming’s 4 assists for club this season have been essential in Portland’s playoff push. 

• Olivia Smith (Forward – Arsenal WFC) After impressing at Liverpool and making her move to North London, she brings creativity and attacking ambition showcased in her brilliant debut goal for Arsenal. 

• Julia Grosso (Midfielder – Chicago Stars FC): Julia Grosso has been a bright spot for Chicago Stars FC this season, contributing a pair of goals and three assists while serving as a metronome in the midfield. 

• Adriana Leon (Forward – San Diego Wave FC): With 4 goals and three assists this season for club, Leon continues to provide reliable attacking output and important mentorship for the squad. 
• Jade Rose (Defender – Manchester City WFC): Signed in June 2025 by Manchester City on a long-term deal, she’s now embedding herself in top-level European club football — a clear signal of her upward trajectory for both club and country.

3. Testing Tactical Identity Against European Competition

Switzerland (FIFA rank 24) and the Netherlands (FIFA rank 11) offer two distinct types of challenges that will help Canada continue shaping its team identity. These matches are valuable chances to: 

• Measure progress against strong, well-organized European opponents 

• Strengthen on-field chemistry and confidence 

• Test different player combinations and partnerships 

• Gain experience in high-quality international environments 

For CANWNT, these matches are important testing grounds to refine the playing identity ahead of critical Qualifying matches to come in 2026.

4. Facing Switzerland: A Disciplined Foe

Canada is 4-1-0 all-time against the Swiss, including a 1-0 victory last time out in round-of-16 play at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in Vancouver. Switzerland is coming off a Quarter-Final exit from the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro in which they were hosts. It will be important for CANWNT to

• Build confidence against an organized opponent 

• Integrate new players culturally and tactically 
• Establish momentum going into another tough match vs. Netherlands

5. Clash with the Dutch: Benchmarking Against One of Europe’s Best

The Netherlands presents a high bar. Canada has met them 14 times historically — holding an all-time record of nine wins, four draws, and just one defeat. Confronting the Dutch in Europe allows CANWNT to: 

• Judge how the squad stacks up against a top-tier European side away from home 

• Assess the ability to control possession, press, and counter 

• Handling stress and potential adversity  

A solid showing would go a long way in building confidence, and a strong result would be a statement of intent for the direction of the program. 

From Canada’s perspective, this October window is more than just friendly fixtures — it’s a vital moment to: 

• Reintegrate returning players and add youth, 

• Further solidify tactical direction, 

• Make positional assessments, 

• Evaluate mental resilience, and 

• Boost confidence heading into World Cup Qualifying. 

Broadcast coverage will be available via OneSoccer in Canada, with extended content across digital platforms.  

We encourage fans to follow along (@CANWNT), support the team abroad, and engage socially using #CANWNT.