USWNT defeats Canada, eyes SheBelieves Cup title

Ally Sentnor's goal lifts the U.S. over rival Canada, putting the team in pole position to win the tournament

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The U.S. women's national soccer team defeated Canada 1-0 in their SheBelieves Cup match, with 22-year-old Ally Sentnor scoring the winning goal. The victory puts the USWNT in first place in the tournament heading into the final match against Colombia. Coach Emma Hayes praised the team's performance, saying it was one of her "favorite" showings as the squad continues to develop under her leadership.

Why it matters

The SheBelieves Cup is an important tune-up tournament for the USWNT as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers. This win over rival Canada demonstrates the team's growth and depth, with Hayes identifying a core group of players she is looking to build around for the future.

The details

Sentnor's goal in the 55th minute, set up by a corner kick from Rose Lavelle, was the difference in a match that saw the USWNT control possession and outshoot Canada 18-6. Hayes highlighted the team's maturity and control in the final minutes as a sign of their development. The lineup featured a mix of veterans and young players, with only one starter - Gisele Thompson - also starting in the previous match against Argentina.

  • The match took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
  • The USWNT will face Colombia in the final match of the SheBelieves Cup on Saturday, March 8, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey.

The players

Ally Sentnor

A 22-year-old forward who scored the winning goal for the USWNT, her seventh international goal in the past 13 months.

Rose Lavelle

A USWNT midfielder who delivered the corner kick that led to Sentnor's goal.

Emma Hayes

The head coach of the USWNT, who praised the team's performance as one of her "favorite" under her leadership.

Gisele Thompson

The 20-year-old who was the only player to start in both the Argentina and Canada matches for the USWNT.

Lindsey Horan

The longtime USWNT captain who subbed in during the 79th minute to help control the match.

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What they’re saying

“I'm living the dream. Like, it's crazy. Every time I step on the field with this team, I really just try to play with joy.”

— Ally Sentnor (TNT)

“There are so many different ways to win a football match. I love winning football matches like this.”

— Emma Hayes, USWNT Head Coach (nytimes.com)

“To be able to bring on Lindsey and Lily Yohannes — just incredible players that are so good on the ball (and) can calm the game, can lead the team — like, this team has endless depth, and I'm just so grateful to be a part of it.”

— Ally Sentnor (TNT)

What’s next

The USWNT will face Colombia in the final match of the SheBelieves Cup on Saturday, March 8, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey. The team with the most points of the four participating teams will take home the title, and the U.S. is currently in pole position with 6 points from two wins.

The takeaway

This victory over rival Canada demonstrates the continued growth and depth of the USWNT under coach Emma Hayes. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the team is positioning itself well for World Cup qualifiers as Hayes identifies a core group of players to build around for the future.