Canada's Kadeisha Buchanan participates during a women's Group A soccer match between Colombia and Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Nice Stadium in Nice, France. Canada won 1-0. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

By The Canadian Press

Buchanan back as Canadian women prepare for FIFA Series in Brazil

Apr 2, 2026 | 8:00 AM

Casey Stoney knows what it’s like to play against Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan.

Now she’s about to learn what it’s like to be her coach.

Buchanan, a centre back for Chelsea FC, is one of the 24 players named to Canada’s women’s soccer team Thursday for this month’s FIFA Series in Brazil.

The 30-year-old from Brampton, Ont., has made 154 appearances for the national squad, but hasn’t donned the Maple Leaf since October 2024 due to a long-term knee injury.

Stoney, a former England defender, faced Buchanan in the 2015 World Cup. Now Canada’s head coach, she believes getting the veteran back into the fold is crucial as the team works its way toward next summer’s World Cup.

All Island Matchup

Clippers, Bulldogs meet in playoffs for first time since 2020

1h ago

to the moon

Canadian astronaut circling Earth after successful Artemis II lunar launch

3h ago

on parole

Man wanted on Canada-wide warrant potentially in Nanaimo

4h ago

“I know the calibre of player she is,” Stoney said. “Obviously, it’s been unfortunate she’s been out for such a long time. But it’s so positive that she’s now back, she’s playing, she’s featuring for Chelsea, she’s playing well.

“It’s really great that we can have her back in. She’s going to make such a difference. And hopefully will impact the games that we’ve got ahead.”

Canada, currently ranked ninth in the world, is set to play three games in Cuiabá, Brazil, during the FIFA Series.

They’ll take on No. 66 Zambia on April 11, battle No. 19 South Korea on April 14 and close out the tournament against No. 8 Brazil on April 18.

The three opponents are very different, and each presents its own challenges, Stoney said.

While Zambia has one of the best strikers in the world in Barbra Banda, Korea is a hard-working, technical and organized side, the coach said.

Then there’s Brazil.

“It’s probably one of our biggest tests because they make the game chaotic, they make the game very difficult for opponents. It doesn’t matter who they’re playing … it’s a player-for-player press all over the pitch,” Stoney said.

“And also they’re very, very good in transition. They’ve got exceptional talents in their front line. It’s going to be a very difficult test for us, but one that we need going into this year. And I think the tournament’s going to be vital for us.”

The FIFA Series features men’s and women’s teams from 50 nations across 13 groups, with games being played in 12 countries.

It will mark another step in Canada’s preparation for the CONCACAF W Championship in November, which will serve as a qualifier for both the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The Canadians are coming off a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Argentina in the SheBelieves Cup on March 7, a victory that saw the country finish second in the tournament behind the United States.

Stoney liked the way her team was connected both on and off the pitch last month, and wants to see that carry through in Brazil.

“How do we stay together, constructive, positive and make sure that off the pitch, the culture’s very good?” she said. “It’s going to be a challenging camp, a challenging environment, challenging conditions. So how do we maintain what we did last camp into this one?”

Canada will get three other players back from injury for the FIFA Series.

Goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo (Aston Villa Women), defender Jayde Riviere (Manchester United WFC), and forward Olivia Smith (Arsenal W.F.C.) all missed playing during the February international window due to various ailments.

Riviere’s return is big for her future, Stoney said.

“I think Jade has the potential to become one of the best fullbacks in the world,” she said. “So to continue on that trajectory, she needs to be in the national team, she needs to be performing in the national team. And it’s great to have her back.”

Injuries will once again limit who’s available to Stoney and her staff in Brazil.

Canada will be without injured forwards Jordyn Huitema (Chicago Red Stars), Adriana Leon (San Diego Wave FC) and Holly Ward (Seattle Reign FC), defenders Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit) and Shelina Zadorsky (West Ham United FC), and goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx (Ipswich Town FC).

“It feels like every camp we’re always having to make adjustments. Fortunately for us — other than Adriana’s, a bit of a long-term one — they’re all short-term injuries,” Stoney said. “It is unfortunate, but at the same time, it gives someone else an opportunity to come in and show what they’re capable of.”

Some of the young talent being given opportunities during the FIFA Series include 18-year-old midfielder Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto) and 19-year-old forward Annabelle Chukwu (University of Notre Dame).

Bringing in young athletes is crucial to continuing the growth of Canadian soccer, Stoney said, but there’s a delicate balance to be struck between having enough emerging players and seasoned veterans on any given roster.

“It’s our job to develop the next generation and blend them in at the right times and in the right opportunities,” the coach said. “I think a senior player, whether you like it or not, comes with responsibilities to make sure we transition these young players in the smoothest way possible, but also showing them the standards, showing them the way, showing them how we want the team to play, how we want the coaches to be set.

“We’ve got some fantastic people around the group that can do that, and Kadeisha is definitely one of those.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2026.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press