Canadian goalkeeper Lea Palacio and forward Esther Brossard have been selected to lead the national team at the upcoming FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines. The tournament, taking place from November 21 to December 7 in Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila, will see Canada competing in Group B against strong opponents such as Spain, Thailand, and Colombia.
Spain, the reigning champions of the UEFA Women’s Futsal Championship, will pose a tough challenge for Canada, alongside Thailand and Colombia, who have also shown strong performances in recent regional competitions. However, Canada made headlines earlier this year by clinching the CONCACAF W Futsal Championship title in a thrilling final match against Panama in Guatemala.
Coach Alexandre Da Rocha expressed pride in the team’s qualification and aims to continue the momentum at the World Cup. Futsal, a fast-paced indoor game played with five players on each side, allows for quick substitutions similar to hockey.
The Canadian squad, which includes key players like Palacio and Brossard, is set to depart for the Philippines for a pre-tournament camp. With limited preparation time since qualifying, the team plans to play friendly matches against Poland, the Philippines, and Argentina before their group stage matches against Colombia, Thailand, and Spain.
The tournament features a total of 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. This inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup marks a significant milestone for female futsal players who have long advocated for more recognition and opportunities in the sport.
In contrast, the men’s Futsal World Cup has a longer history, with defending champions Brazil dominating the competition. Canada’s men’s team participated in the inaugural tournament in 1989 but has faced challenges in advancing to the later stages in subsequent editions.
The Canadian roster for the women’s World Cup includes a mix of experienced players and newcomers, with Palacio and Brossard leading the charge in their quest for success on the global stage.