Canada Soccer announced this week that its women’s national team (CanWMT) will be playing a series of two friendly matches against fellow Concacaf side Haiti this summer during the FIFA International Window of May-June 2025.
The Les Rouges will be in action at the Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on May 31 before heading over to Stade Saputo in Montreal on June 3, 2025.
The Canadian women, coming off a recent two-match friendly series against Argentina, will compete in Winnipeg after an almost eight-year absence. The last time they played in the Manitoba capital was in June 2017 when they beat Costa Rica 3-1.
The match in Montreal will be their first at the location since June 2024 when they beat Mexico 2-0 in the opening match of the Summer Send-Off Series.
The two-match series will also help the team get some much-needed momentum before their Allstate Continental Clásico clash against the top-ranked USA team in July, in which the Canadians will be aiming to snap a 25-year-old winless streak on US soil
The ‘destroyer’ hangs up her boots
The first match in Winnipeg will be an opportunity for the Canucks to pay homage to their longtime veteran midfielder Desiree Scott – a native Winnipegger – who recently called time on her illustrious international career that spanned over 14 impressive years.
“Representing Canada has been one of my life’s greatest accomplishments,” said Scott on her international retirement. “It has been a team that I’ve been so fortunate to call family and to make history with and the ride has been nothing short of amazing! I have given my all to our country and just want to say thank you! I am forever grateful.”
Scott, affectionately known as “the destroyer”, has been an integral part of the Canadian women’s team over the last decade, having earned 187 caps including 144 starts.
She is also one of only three Canadian players to have won three consecutive Olympic medals. The others are Sophie Schmidt and the legendary Christine Sinclair. Scott’s tireless dedication in midfield has helped the team win bronze in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and snatch gold in Tokyo 2020 after beating arch-rivals USA in the final.
The Winnipegger, who has represented Canada in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, has also managed to earn praise from head coach Casey Stoney for her leadership and hard work when it comes to inspiring the team and the next generation of players.
“Desiree has been a cornerstone of the Women’s National Team program, inspiring countless players with her hard work, spirit, and commitment to the growth of the game,” said Stoney. “We are excited to carry on her legacy and honour her in Winnipeg and add two home matches for fans this spring.”
The 37-year-old Scott will still be actively competing at the club level with the Ottawa Rapid FC team in the newly-formed Northern Super League. Tickets for Canada’s friendlies against Haiti will go on sale on May 2nd, with pre-sale windows opening on April 29th.
