Canada Women’s Soccer Team Falls to Japan, Extending Streak to Five Losses

The Canadian women’s soccer team faced yet another setback on December 2, 2025, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Japan in a friendly match at Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki. This loss marks the team’s fifth consecutive defeat, a troubling trend for the ninth-ranked Canadians who have struggled to find their footing in recent matches.

Despite showing improvements in their play compared to previous outings, Canada could not translate their efforts into a goal. The decisive moment came in the 45th minute when Japan’s Mina Tanaka, a forward for the NWSL’s Utah Royals, capitalized on a corner kick. After a diving save from goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo on Narumi Miura’s header, Tanaka reacted quickly to score from close range, putting Japan ahead just before halftime.

Although Canada started the match with energy, generating a strong chance in the third minute that required a diving save from Japan’s goalkeeper, Akane Okuma, the team ultimately struggled to keep pace. Okuma sustained injuries during the match, leaving the field on a stretcher and allowing Chika Hirao to step in as her replacement. Japan maintained pressure, outshooting Canada 18-8 throughout the game, with four shots on target compared to Canada’s three.

Canada’s goal drought has now extended to 454 minutes, the last time they found the back of the net being a 4-1 victory over No. 43 Costa Rica on June 27 in Toronto. In the months leading up to this match, the Canadian team endured a series of difficult losses, including a 3-0 defeat to the second-ranked United States and two 1-0 losses to No. 24 Switzerland and the 11th-ranked Netherlands.

Struggles and Changes in the Lineup

This current losing streak is the longest for the Canadian women’s team since 2005, when they faced similar challenges against top teams such as Sweden and Germany. The recent results highlight issues in maintaining offensive momentum, especially given that Canada has not triumphed over Japan since March 2018.

Assistant coach Natalie Henderson led the team during this match, stepping in for head coach Casey Stoney, who was absent due to personal reasons. Canada made six changes to its starting lineup, bringing in players such as D’Angelo, defenders Vanessa Gilles and Sydney Collins, and forwards Adriana Leon and Evelyne Viens. The adjustments were aimed at revitalizing the squad, but the inability to score persisted.

The absence of star forward Olivia Smith also impacted the team’s performance. Arsenal Football Club requested that Smith, who is recovering from a hip injury, not travel to Japan, further limiting Canada’s attacking options. The team also missed several key players due to injuries, including Kadeisha Buchanan, Gabby Carle, and Lysianne Proulx.

Next Steps for the Canadian Team

Looking ahead, Canada concludes the year with a mixed record of 6-6-1. As they reflect on their performance, the focus will be on addressing the offensive issues and regaining confidence ahead of future competitions. With a record of 4-10-4 against Japan, the Canadian women’s national team knows they must find a way to break this losing streak and rediscover their scoring touch.

The challenges faced in this match underscore the need for strategic adjustments and mental fortitude as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures. With the 2023 calendar year closing, the Canadian women’s soccer team will aim to regroup and come out stronger in the new year.