SheBelieves Cup Preview: Fixtures, Favourites and Future Stars

On Sunday 1 March, the SheBelieves Cup 2026 will commence in the USA. The round-robin style tournament will see four top-30 FIFA ranked nations battle it out for a first-place finish: the USA, Argentina, Canada and Columbia.  

Initiated in 2016, this inaugural competition first took place ten years ago. After their 2015 Women’s World Cup campaign, the US Women’s National Team inspired this tournament.

SheBelieves is a movement that encourages young women and girls to achieve their dreams, whether these be in sports or elsewhere. Therefore, this annual competition aims to inspire generations of women and girls and spotlight the growth of the women’s game, during the first international break of the year.

The fixture schedule

In the first week of March, doubleheaders will take place across three American cities:

Sunday 1 March, GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tenn:

-              Canada v Columbia – 19:00 (BST)

-              USA v Argentina – 22:00 (BST)

Wednesday 4 March, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio:

-              Argentina v Columbia – 20:30 (BST)

-              USA v Canada – 23:45 (BST)

Saturday 7 March, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey:

-              Canada v Argentina – 17:30 (BST)

-              USA v Columbia – 20:30 (BST)

Once all fixtures have been played, the Champions of this year’s competition will be decided by the points tally on the table. There is potential for the tournament to go right down to the wire, with uncertainty over which nation will come out victorious after all three matchdays.

The host nation searching success

The host nation has been crowned Champions on eight of ten SheBelieves Cup occasions. However, last year the USA fell short to Japan in the final stages of the competition.

Head coach, Emma Hayes will be in charge for her first SheBelieves Cup with the USA and recently named her 26-player squad. It is notable that despite giving several new faces their chance to participate in the senior squad training camps, Hayes named no uncapped players in her tournament roster.

In her press conference ahead of the SheBelieves Cup, Hayes spoke about the importance of the tournament to assist in preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifier fixtures this year:

“The SheBelieves Cup is a fantastic tournament which gives us the opportunity to replicate the group stage of a FIFA tournament… Three quality games in quick succession also allow us to replicate conditions that will prepare us for the World Cup qualifying campaign this fall. As always, we want to keep developing our player pool to be more and more prepared. As we gain more experience, I expect our standards to keep improving.”

Regarding players to watch, sister duo, Alyssa and Giselle Thompson could impress as they bring pace on the flank and a sibling linkup that poses a strong threat to the opposition. There are also several strong leadership presences within the squad, including OL Lyonnes’ Lindsey Heaps and eleven-time SheBelieves Cup player, Emily Sonnet.

This camp’s roster includes a selection of players who play their club football across the world, including both in the Barclays Women’s Super League (UK) and the Arkema Première Ligue (France). This brings added versatility and gives Hayes’ side an edge in having the mentality to perform in high pressure games, made even more possible with home advantage.

A talented South American side

Columbia will feature in the SheBelieves tournament for the second consecutive year. After a third-place finish last year, they will be seeking revenge and have their sights set on the top spot.

In the summer of 2025, Columbia fell short of being crowned Copa América Feminina Champions after a heartbreaking 4-4 draw and consequently 5-4 loss on penalties against Brazil. This tournament brings an opportunity to regain momentum and push forward with another trophy in sight.

Regarding Columbia’s squad, there are several names to be spotlighted ahead of the tournament. Firstly, two young players who could shine in the SheBelieves Cup are Ana María Guzman and Valerin Loboa Vásquez. Guzman, aged 20, currently plays at Palmeiras on loan from Bayern Munich, while Vásquez is emerging as a class forward Portland Thorns, aged only 18.

However, Columbia do not have young talents, but experienced members of the national team too. One being Marcela Restrepo. The midfielder plays her club football with Monterrey and has featured in international fixtures for the best part of a decade with her country. Her passion to succeed and impeccable ball control could prove instrumental in the build-up of play from the centre of the field.  

Historic rivals seeking revenge

The Canadian Women’s National Team are set for their fourth appearance in the inaugural tournament, having competed in the 2021, 2023 and 2024 editions. However, this side have never lifted the cup and seek strong performances and a taste of success this spring. 

Under head coach, Casey Stoney, the Reds seek revenge on geographical rivals, the USA. In last year’s competition, Canada lost in the final to their rivals in a penalty shootout that went to the death, which only fuels their desire to come away victorious in this historical rivalry for the first time on US soil since 2000.

In terms of team news, Stoney’s lineup could feature a blend of experienced players on the international stage, alongside new, upcoming young talents. Both Jessie Fleming and Kailen Sheriden are examples of consistent performers who drive the team with their leadership and experience, alongside pivotal striker Cloé Lacasse, who returns to camp for the first time since her ACL rupture.

In the WSL, many Canadians have made their mark. Manchester United duo, Simi Awujo and Jayde Rivière have emerged as reliable and solid defenders, unlocking fluidity and strength in the Reds’ backline; they will intend to have the same impact in the international window. Two other young talents, Kaylee Hunter and Annabelle Chukwu are both yet to mark their first senior goals with the national team, so the pressure is on them to provide moments of magic when it counts.

A passionate and ambitious Argentina squad

Argentina will play in their second SheBelieves competition, having finished in last place in 2021. The South American side look to switch up the competition with versality and passion.

Having lost to South American rivals, Columbia in a penalty shootout in the 2025 semi-final of the Copa América Feminina, they are looking to revenge their rivals and push for a positive result against strong competition with silverware at stake. 

One player who is proving that experience is key is midfielder, Estefanía Romina Banini Ruiz. The midfielder is 35 and still proving key in Argentina’s international setup. Another player whose international presence and experience is notable for the South American side is Mariana Larroquette. Leading the line for both her club, Santos, and country, she will have her sights set on showcasing her clinical finishing ability and putting her nation ahead throughout the competition.

Dalia Ippólito is Argentina’s number ten who has a high footballing IQ and proves herself a force to be reckoned with in a midfield battle. She brings strength and ambition to the pitch and is definitely one to watch as Argentina aim to shock the host nation.

The SheBelieves Cup commences on Sunday and brings anticipation and excitement to the first week of March. Both young talents and experienced leaders will be spotlighted, football will be played, and one nation will be crowned the 2026 SheBelieves Champions.