Bev Priestman signs new long-term contract with CANWNT

Canada Soccer announced today that the Federation and head coach, Bev Priestman has signed a new long-term contract that will see her as Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team (CANWNT) head coach through the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup™. The new deal brings further support and continuity and ​ to the women’s program as the CANWNT continue to prepare to defend their Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“We are excited and proud that Bev will continue her leadership with us as we enter such an important period for our women’s program and for Canada. On behalf of our entire organization, we want to congratulate Bev and wish her all the best as our Women’s National Team continue their preparations for this summer’s Olympic Games,” said Charmaine Crooks, Canada Soccer President.

Since her appointment in October 2020, Priestman has played a pivotal part in the strategic and tactical development of the women’s program. Her achievements have been characterized by a commitment to player development, tactical innovation, and fostering a winning mentality.

“I want to thank Canada Soccer for this opportunity and I’m delighted to commit to this team, a collection of world-class players, through to the FIFA 2027 Women’s World Cup. We closed out 2023 in an exciting fashion and I can’t wait to continue the journey with this incredible group. It is clear to me that the future is bright with the talent we have coming through our system, and I’m honoured to be leading our efforts in chasing even more success for this program and our country,” said Bev Priestman, Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Priestman has a 28-9-10 record in 47 matches as head coach, and was a FIFA Best Coach nominee in 2021 and 2022. The CANWNT have outscored the competition 12-2 including and since their Olympic qualification, and are on a 5-1 run since this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Canada will next compete in the first edition of the Concacaf W Gold Cup next month. Canada will face Group C opponents El Salvador or Guatemala on 22 February at 21.00 ET, Paraguay on 25 February at 17.00 ET, and Costa Rica on 28 February at 18.00 ET. All of Canada’s group stage matches will be played at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. After round-robin play, the group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-place finishers will advance to the tournament’s Quarterfinals.

Canada will return to the SheBelieves Cup in April 2024. For the third time in four years, the Women’s National Team will compete against top-ranked teams in the United States-based tournament. Alongside Canada, this year’s competition features the USA, Brazil and Japan.

Canada was the fifth nation to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, joining the hosts France, current Concacaf champions USA, and CONMEBOL’s top-two nations, Brazil and Colombia. A further seven nations have yet to qualify for what will be a field of 12, as Canada look to defend Olympic Gold from the Tokyo games.