Canada to play New Zealand in women’s soccer at Olympic Games

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris officially commences on Friday with the opening ceremonies. However on Thursday, Team Canada will begin competition with a women’s soccer game against New Zealand (9am MT).

Canada is the defending Olympic champions in women’s soccer. They defeated Sweden 3-2 on penalty kicks after being deadlocked at a goal apiece.

However, as the women’s soccer tournament is set to start, there is controversy surrounding the Canadian program. On Wednesday, Canadian assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were fired for their role in allegedly flying drones during New Zealand practices this week. Lombardi has since been given an eight month suspended prison sentence, as flying drones in the Paris region during the Olympic Games is prohibited. The International Olympic Committee is reviewing the incident, and according to CTV News, New Zealand has requested that Canada not be rewarded with the victory if they happen to beat them on Thursday.

Canada will try to put this controversy behind them. Canadian head coach Bev Priestman will not be in charge of the Canadian team against New Zealand and will be replaced on Thursday only by assistant coach Andy Spence. At this point, Priestman will coach Canada on Sunday against France.