Argentina Women’s Team Prepares for High-Stakes Friendly Against Canada

VANCOUVER, Canada — The Argentina women’s national soccer team arrived in Canada this week as they prepare for crucial friendly matches ahead of the 2025 Copa América. Under the guidance of coach Germán Portanova, the team will face Canada in two international friendlies, both seen as vital for tactical adjustments and gauging their capabilities against a formidable opponent.

On Wednesday afternoon, the team held its first practice session at BC Place in Vancouver. According to the Argentine Football Association, the session began with a warm-up designed to activate the players’ muscles before progressing into circuit training focusing on passing accuracy and speed.

Goalkeepers participated in specialized drills under the supervision of goalkeeper coach Enrique Yamashita, emphasizing technical movements and reactions. Portanova later implemented a tactical block focused on strategies for their first game against Canada. The training culminated in small-sided games, enhancing competition within the squad.

The first friendly is scheduled for Friday, April 4, at 11:30 p.m. Argentina time, at BC Place. A second match will take place on Tuesday, April 8, at 11:00 p.m. at Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia.

These matches are essential for Argentina to gain international experience and maintain momentum ahead of the continental tournament, a primary goal for the women’s national team this season. The selected players for this tour include Solana Pereyra (San Lorenzo), Adriana Sachs (Racing Club), and Eliana Stábile (Boca Juniors), among others.

Portanova’s squad traveled to Canada on Monday and began training on Tuesday, focusing on physical, technical, and tactical preparation, including a session on small-sided games. The team also conducted a facility walkthrough on Thursday to acclimate to the venue.

This friendly series serves not only for team preparation but also for individual player assessments and building on-field chemistry. In previous encounters, Argentina has yet to secure a victory against Canada, whose recent performance includes a gold medal finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Canada’s match on Friday will mark their first game at home since the retirement of legendary player Christine Sinclair in December 2023. The match will also see Julia Grosso, who captured Olympic gold for Canada, return to her hometown, currently competing for Chicago Stars FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

With Canada currently ranked seventh globally and Argentina at 33rd, this friendly offers a significant challenge. The powerful and experienced Canadian team poses a higher competitive threshold, providing an opportunity for Argentina to sharpen its skills as they look to blend youth with experience for the upcoming Copa América in Ecuador this summer.

Notable players from both teams have made headlines, with Canada recently appointing Casey Stoney as their head coach. Stoney leads a roster that includes players like Grosso, following a tumultuous period for Canada Soccer marked by controversy.

Fans in Argentina await confirmation of the broadcast for the match, while Canada will air it on their official OneSoccer channel. The match is part of FIFA’s April international window, with both teams aiming for continued development and preparation as they gear up for the Copa América.