Canada & USA Kick Off SheBelieves Cup with Dominant Wins
Nashville, Tenn. – Canada and the United States both secured victories on Sunday to open the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa. Canada defeated Colombia 4-1, ending a 485-minute scoreless streak with a goal from Vanessa Gilles, while the USWNT topped Argentina 2-0 thanks to goals from Lindsey Heaps and Jaedyn Shaw. Canada currently leads the tournament standings on goal differential, tied on points with the United States. Colombia’s Gisela Robledo received a red card and will be suspended for their next match against Argentina. Both teams will next play in a double header at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, March 4.
Canada and USA Dominate Opening Day of 2026 SheBelieves Cup
Nashville, Tenn. – The 2026 SheBelieves Cup presented by Visa kicked off with a bang on Sunday, as both Canada and the United States secured convincing victories over their CONMEBOL opponents. Canada defeated Colombia 4-1, while the USWNT triumphed over Argentina with a 2-0 scoreline.
Canada Ends Scoring Drought in Style
Canada’s impressive win marked the end of a frustrating 485-minute scoreless streak. Vanessa Gilles broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a well-placed header from a Janine Sonis corner.
Janine Sonis continued her impactful performance, converting a penalty kick in the 67th minute. Sydney Collins added another goal in the 73rd minute, extending Canada’s lead.
Despite a consolation goal from Leicy Santos for Colombia via a penalty kick, Canada quickly regained control. Nichelle Prince sealed the victory with a late goal in the 90th minute, showcasing Canada’s attacking prowess.
Discipline Issues Mar Colombia’s Performance
The match wasn’t without its challenges, as it featured a total of seven cautions. Gisela Robledo of Colombia received two yellow cards, resulting in a red card and a suspension for their upcoming match against Argentina on March 4.
USWNT Secure Shutout Victory
The United States also started the tournament strong, defeating Argentina 2-0 in a match characterized by physicality. Argentina committed 21 of the 33 fouls committed during the game.
Lindsey Heaps opened the scoring for the USWNT in the 19th minute with a powerful left-footed shot. Jaedyn Shaw doubled the lead after halftime, assisted by Heaps, solidifying the American’s dominance.
Current Standings
Following the first match day, Canada currently leads the standings on goal differential, closely followed by the United States. Argentina and Colombia occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively.
| TEAM | GP | W | L | D | PK Win | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| USA | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Argentina | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Colombia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
Looking Ahead to Columbus
The action continues on Wednesday, March 4, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio, with another double-header scheduled. The teams will be looking to build on their opening day performances and gain a competitive edge in the tournament.
FAQ
Q: Where was the first match day of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup held?
A: The first match day was held in Nashville, Tenn.
Q: Who scored the first goal of the tournament?
A: Vanessa Gilles of Canada scored the first goal.
Q: Will Gisela Robledo play in Colombia’s next match?
A: No, Gisela Robledo is suspended for Colombia’s next match due to a red card.
Q: What is the significance of the SheBelieves Cup?
A: The SheBelieves Cup is an invitational tournament that provides valuable competitive experience for national teams.
What are your thoughts on Canada and USA’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments below and stay tuned to 247sports.new for more in-depth coverage of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup!