Canada’s winless run extends to five after a narrow loss in Japan
The Canadian women’s national team showed more composure and intent in their second meeting with Japan, but the final score told a familiar story. A 1-0 defeat in Nagasaki on Tuesday stretched Canada’s losing streak to five matches and prolonged a difficult conclusion to their 2025 calendar year.
A better performance, same outcome
Playing at Transcosmos Stadium, the ninth-ranked Canadians entered the rematch seeking a response to Saturday’s 3-0 setback. While the early passages showed improved structure and energy, Japan ultimately dictated the quality of chances. The breakthrough arrived just before halftime when Narumi Miura’s header forced a diving stop from Sabrina D’Angelo, only for Mina Tanaka to pounce on the rebound from close range.
Japan, ranked eighth in the world, continued to threaten throughout the match. Yui Hasegawa’s deflected effort struck the post, and Hikaru Kitagawa also rattled the woodwork as the hosts created openings that could have widened the gap. Canada had a brief moment of celebration early in the second half when Evelyne Viens found the net, but the finish was ruled offside.
Japan finished with an 18-8 advantage in shots and produced the more dangerous looks in both halves.
A drought that keeps growing
Canada’s struggles in front of goal have become a defining theme. The team has not scored since June 27, when they beat Costa Rica 4-1 in Toronto. Emma Regan’s late goal that day remains Canada’s most recent, leaving the current drought at 454 minutes.
The slide includes consecutive 1-0 losses to Switzerland and the Netherlands in October, along with a 3-0 defeat to the United States in July. The last time the Canadian women dropped five straight was back in 2005, a stretch so distant that current squad members Holly Ward and Simi Awujo were toddlers at the time.
Changes on the field and behind the bench
Assistant coach Natalie Henderson once again managed the team, with Casey Stoney remaining in England to be with her ill mother. Henderson also led the group for Saturday’s match and previously guided Canada to a win over Haiti in May under similar circumstances.
Canada made six adjustments to its starting lineup, bringing in D’Angelo, Vanessa Gilles, Sydney Collins, Yasmine Alidou, Adriana Leon and Viens. Janine Sonis shifted into a fullback role in a reworked structure that entered the pitch with a combined 683 caps. Japan, meanwhile, rotated heavily with eight changes, fielding a squad largely composed of players based in England and the NWSL.
The match also saw an unfortunate early exit for Japanese goalkeeper Akane Okuma, who was injured twice in the opening minutes and was replaced by Chika Hirao after leaving on a stretcher.
Late push unable to change the story
Canada emerged from halftime with more urgency, aided by the introductions of Awujo, Nichelle Prince, Julia Grosso, Ashley Lawrence and Jordyn Huitema. Despite improved movement and spells of pressure, they were unable to break through a disciplined Japanese back line.
Canada’s overall record against Japan now stands at 4-10-4. Their last victory in the matchup came in March 2018 at the Algarve Cup.
Absences continue to shape Canada’s squad
The Canadians were without several key players. Rising star Olivia Smith remained in England at Arsenal’s request as she recovers from a hip injury. Kadeisha Buchanan, Gabby Carle and Lysianne Proulx were also unavailable due to injuries. Cloe Lacasse has returned from knee issues but is not expected to rejoin the national team until 2026. NCAA players Annabelle Chukwu and Kayla Briggs were also not available for selection.
Canada concludes the year with a 6-6-1 record and will look toward 2026 for a chance to reset and rebuild momentum.
