Canada draws Netherlands, New Zealand and Cameroon at the 2019 Women’s World Cup

Today Canada learned its path to the knockout stages at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. The group draw took place earlier today, with Canada drawing an almost identical group to the one they had at the last tournament.

Joining Canada in Group E will be the Netherlands, New Zealand and Cameroon. It will mean tricky tests for the Canadians, but is also a winneable group for the national team.

The Dutch drew Canada 1-1 in Montreal at the last World Cup and are currently ranked 12th in the world. They will be Canada’s most difficult opponent, featuring the likes of Barcelona star forward Lieke Martins who won the 2017 award for best FIFA women’s player.

Canada also faced New Zealand in the Group Stage. The Football Ferns are ranked 19th at the World and have won the last four OFC championships.

The final team in the group, Cameroon, qualified for their first World Cup at Canada 2015. They did very well for themselves, however, reaching the knockout stages in that tournament.

After ensuring Canada qualified for the 2019 tournament, Kenneth Heiner-Møeller will take the helm for his first major international tournament. Canada will be looking to improve on their best ever World Cup finish, fourth place at USA 2003.

Canada were eliminated by England in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, for which they were the host nation. The World Cup in Canada set records for attendance and several other key metrics as the growth of the women’s game continues.

For next year’s World Cup, Canada qualified in second place out of Concacaf. They also currently sit fifth in the World, creating high expectations going into the tournament.

There are also four teams making their debut at the 2019 tournament. South Africa, Jamaica, Scotland and Chile have all qualified for the first time.