Canada vs Ireland score, result, highlights as Irish World Cup journey ends in 2-1 loss

Feargal Brennan

Canada vs Ireland score, result, highlights as Irish World Cup journey ends in 2-1 loss image

Canada revived their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Group B rivals the Republic of Ireland in Perth.

The defending Olympic champions were held to a 0-0 draw with Nigeria in their opening game of the tournament but they showed grit and resilience to fight back and eliminate Ireland from the competition.

Katie McCabe's spectacular goal — directly from a corner — marked a historic first-ever Women's World Cup goal for Vera Pauw's team, with Canada shocked.

Canada were below par in the opening stages and grabbed a fortunate leveller before the break as Megan Connolly deflected home an own goal.

Second-half substitutions — including the addition of Christine Sinclair — turned the tide for Canada as Adriana Leon took her chance to prod home a winner.

Group B table

Team PTS GP W L D GF GA GD
1. Canada 4 2 1 0 1 2 1 +1
2. Australia 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1
3. Nigeria 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
4. Rep. of Ireland 0 2 0 2 0 1 3 -2

Canada vs Ireland final score

  Final score Goal scorers
Canada 2 Connolly O.G., Leon
Ireland 1 McCabe

MORE: Canada's World Cup schedule

Canada show Olympics credentials without key stars

Bev Priestman made a crucial pre-game move by rotating Sinclair and Deanne Rose out of the starting lineup. It was big call with Canada already missing key duo Janine Beckie and Desiree Scott from their squad due to injury.

However, it was the halftime changes that made the difference for Canada, as the 2020 Olympic champions showed their steel.

Sinclair, Sophie Schmidt and Shelina Zadorsky brought 633 international caps' worth of experience onto the pitch for the second period, and it wrestled control away from Ireland.

Schmidt's clever pass set up Leon for the winner and Sinclair's nous in attack almost created a third goal for Canada.

Priestman will need to balance her veterans' game time, but the second 45 showed a glimpse of why Canada sealed Olympic glory, and experience will be their strong suit moving forward.

Ireland bow out with heads held high

Ireland's first World Cup goal was followed up by a premature exit from the tournament as Pauw's team could not find an equaliser.

McCabe's spark and drive was crucial for the Irish, but they showed an ability to compete on the world stage with Courtney Brosnan, Denise O'Sullivan and Megan Connolly all impressing Down Under.

Bad luck has played a role in Ireland's tournament ending early, with a penalty the difference in their 1-0 loss to Australia, and an own goal conceded against Canada.

The result will sting for Pauw's players but the confidence of them being ready to qualify for European Championships and World Cups remains high.

Canada Round of 16 qualification picture

Ireland's World Cup dream is over and Canada are in a strong position to reach the Round of 16 for a third successive World Cup.

This victory has edged them ahead of Australia at the top of Group B, ahead of the Matlidas facing Nigeria tomorrow in their second group game.

If Australia win, they will jump back above Canada, with six points compared to four, with a draw tying them on four points each.

If Australia do secure a victory, they will seal a spot in the Round of 16; however, a Nigeria loss does not rule them out from the next phase, although it will make for a tense finale.

Canada will clinch first place in Group B with a win over Australia on Monday.

If Australia beats Nigeria

  • Canada advances with win or draw vs Australia
  • Canada advances with loss vs Australia AND Nigeria loss or draw vs Ireland
  • Canada advances with loss vs Australia AND Nigeria win vs Ireland IF Canada maintains goal differential

If Nigeria beats Australia

  • Canada advances with win or draw vs Australia
  • Canada advances with loss vs Australia AND Nigeria loss vs Ireland IF Canada maintains goal differential

If Australia draws with Nigeria

  • Canada advances with win or draw vs Australia
  • Canada advances with loss vs Australia AND Nigeria loss or draw vs Ireland

Canada vs Ireland lineups

Canada starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 1-Sheridan (GK) — Riviere (Chapman 90+3), Buchanan (Zadorsky 45), Gilles, Lawrence — Quinn, Grosso (Schmidt 45) — Leon (Lacasse 58), Fleming, Huitema — Viens (Sinclair 45).

Ireland starting lineup (3-4-3): Brosnan (GK) — Fahey, Quinn, Connolly — O'Gorman (Sheva 58), O'Sullivan, Littlejohn (Agg 65), McCabe — Farrelly (Atkinson 65), Carusa (Barrett 65), Quinn (Larkin 45).

Canada vs Ireland updates and highlights from Women's World Cup clash

FULL TIME: CANADA 2 IRELAND 1

It's all over in Perth and contrasting emotions at full time as Canada move closer to a potential Round of 16 place and Ireland bow out of their first-ever World Cup.

Katie McCabe's incredible opener sent the Ireland fans wild, in their debut World Cup goal, but Megan Connolly's unfortunate own goal levelled the tie before the break.

Key changes at the break tipped the balance for Canada after the restart as Adriana Leon steered home the all-important winner.

90+3 Mins: The clock is ticking on Ireland's World Cup dream...

Allysha Chapman comes on for Jayde Riviere to waste some seconds for Canada.

90 Mins: FIVE MINUTES ADDED ON!

Ireland pour forward and Agg drives one straight at Sheridan.

85 Mins: Ireland are looking to push here as Loiuse Quinn switches from defence to centre forward!

80 Mins: Into the final ten minutes....as it stands....Ireland are OUT of the World Cup, can they turn it around in Perth?

77 Mins: McCabe glides past three Canada tackles but her curling effort is deflected behind for an Irish corner.

She has already managed an 'Olimpico' special goal tonight!

70 Mins: Plenty of endeavour from Ireland as we move into the closing stages but they are yet to create another clear chance.

65 Mins: Ireland only half clear a cross and Sinclair scuffs another strike at Brosnan. More changes from Pauw as Amber Barrett, Isibeal Atkinson and Lily Agg come on.

61 Mins: Canada defender Gilles is booked for a late tackle on McCabe and Sinclair almost works a chance inside the box but her strike is too close to Brosnan.

58 Mins: More changes from both bosses as Aine O'Gorman comes on for Marissa Sheva and Leon is replaced by Cloe Lacasse.

53 Mins: CANADA LEAD 2-1!

Canada have been excellent since the restart and they get their reward!

Substitute Schmidt does well to feed a clever ball into the box and Adriana Leon gets their first to poke past Brosnan.

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50 Mins: WHAT A SAVE!

Jordyn Huitema drives one from distance and Brosnan get across to make a vital save!

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49 Mins: Sinclair is on for Viens with changes in defence and midfield as Buchanan and Grosso off and Sophie Schmidt and Shelina Zadorsky on.

Ireland change Quinn for teenager Abbie Larkin.

46 Mins: WE ARE BACK!

Changes from both sides at the break with Canada making three changes and the iconic Christine Sinclair is on!

HALF TIME: CANADA 1 IRELAND 1

All square at the break, as Canada almost score a second on the stroke of half time, but Gilles heads wide.

A perfect start from Ireland via McCabe's incredible opener, but despite creating the better chances the Irish have not capitalised, and a gritty Canada are back in the contest.

45+4 Mins: CANADA EQUALISE!

Canada are level!

Despite struggling for the majority of the first 45 minutes, Canada are level at the break, via a bizarre equaliser.

Julia Grosso's left wing cross skids through the Ireland box, takes a nick off Megan Connolly, and lands in the back of Brosnan's net.

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GAME ON!

45 Mins: Ireland pile on the pressure as we move into five minutes of added time. Two more McCabe corners are fired in and Buchanan bravely blocks from Farrelly. 

42 Mins: Another break from Ireland, as the tireless Carusa sprints behind Buchanan, but her near post effort is blocked by Sheridan.

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40 Mins: Ireland again look to break out from the Canadian pressure but Denise O'Sullivan's strike flies over the top.

36 Mins: Some respite for Pauw's Ireland as Kadeisha Buchanan drags back Carusa and the Canada centre back is shown a yellow card.

35 Mins: Canada really looking to step up the pressure now and Ireland are digging into clear their lines. 

30 Mins: HUGE CHANCE FOR CANADA!!!

Canada keep improving here and they are INCHES away from an equaliser!

A looped cross into the box is helped on and Vanessa Gilles stretches and clips an effort over the bar!

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23 Mins: Some signs of life from Canada as Jordyn Huitema strikes one from distance but Courtney Brosnan gathers easily.

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15 Mins: Ireland are still dictating the contest here, as Quinn almost escapes behind the Canada defence, and Vera Pauw is out of her dugout to encourage the Irish players.

8 Mins: McCabe is at the centre of everything for Ireland as she takes a tumble inside the box, but the result is no penalty. Ireland then work a chance to Sinead Farelly on the edge of the box but her effort is saved by Sheridan.

4 Mins: GOAL FOR IRELAND!!!

Captain Katie McCabe whips the resulting corner in and it flies straight into the top corner. A SUPERB goal from Irish skipper.

History for Ireland with their first-ever World Cup goal!

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3 Mins: CHANCE FOR IRELAND!

Lucy Quinn delivers a low ball into the box, but a diving Kyra Carusa is denied by Kailen Sheridan, and Canada clear for a corner!

KICK OFF: WE ARE OFF IN PERTH!

15 Mins to KO: A HUGE call on Sinclair....will it pay off for Canada?

Neither manager has made sweeping changes from a disappointing opening round of matches, but Bev Priestman's decision to bench Christine Sinclair is a bold call.

Sinclair has been a World Cup ever-present for Canada for decades but the Canucks need to spark themselves into life against Ireland.

30 Mins to KO: Irish eyes smiling Down Under and back home

Ireland's debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup has triggered a wave of support from the Green Army, both in Australia and back in Ireland, with another record breaking crowd set to watch today's clash.

1 hour to KO: TEAM NEWS IS IN!

Just one change for Ireland from the defeat to Australia as Lucy Quinn comes in for Marissa Sheva

Canada opt for two starting changes from their 0-0 blank with Nigeria as Fleming comes in for Christine Sinclair and Evelyne Viens replaces Deanne Rose.

1 Hour, 30 Mins to KO: It looks like Ireland may have the crowd on their side in Perth based on the images coming out of Australia.

Canada vs Ireland lineups

Jessie Fleming, who surprisingly missed Canada's opener against Nigeria with a knock picked up in training, returns for this game. Her absence as the team's penalty taker was notable as Christine Sinclair missed a potential game-winner from the spot against Nigeria and the latter drops to the bench against Ireland.

The other change for Canada brings Viens into the starting XI in place of Rose, but Canada stick to their 4-2-3-1 system.

Canada starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 1-Sheridan (GK) — 8-Riviere, 3-Buchanan, 14-Gilles, 10-Lawrence — 5-Quinn, 7-Grosso — 19-Leon, 17-Fleming, 9-Huitema — 11-Viens.

MORE: All about Canada manager Bev Priestman

Ireland struggled to create quality chances in their opening round loss to Australia, but ever-present Katie McCabe showed their best attacking quality, deployed at left wing-back. Kyra Carusa started up front in the attack, but there are few options behind her.

Veteran winger Aine O'Gorman remains on the bench as Lucy Quinn comes in for Marissa Sheva.

Ireland starting lineup (3-4-3): Brosnan (GK) — Fahey, Quinn, Connolly — Payne, O'Sullivan, Littlejohn, McCabe — O'Gorman, Carusa, Quinn.

Canada vs Ireland live stream, TV channel

Here are the details for the live stream and TV channel to watch Canada vs. Ireland in the 2023 FIFA World Cup for fans around the world, including those based in the USA and Canada. 

The match kicks off at 8 p.m. local time in Perth (8 a.m. ET in Canada and the USA).

  TV channel Streaming
USA FS1, Universo Fubo, Peacock,
Universo NOW,
Fox Sports site/app
UK ITV 1 UK, UTV,
STV Scotland
STV Player, ITVX
Australia Seven Optus Sport, 7 Plus
Canada TSN1/4/5, CTV, RDS TSN+, TSN site/app,
CTV site/app, RDS site/app
India DD Sports Fancode
New Zealand Sky Sport 1 NZ Sky Sport NOW, Sky Go
Singapore FIFA WWC Ch. 001 meWatch, StarHub TV+
Hong Kong Now TV Viu TV

USA

  • TV channel: FS1, Universo
  • Streaming: Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, Peacock (Spanish), Universo NOW

The match will be televised on FS1 in English and Universo in Spanish, with both channels streaming on Fubo, available to new users on a free trial.

Subscribers to cable, satellite, or telco packages can use those authenticated credentials to access a live stream on the Fox Sports site or app, and Universo NOW. A Spanish-language stream will also be available to subscribers of Peacock.

Canada

  • TV Channel: TSN1/4/5, CTV, RDS (French)
  • Live Stream: TSN+, TSN site/app, CTV site/app, RDS site/app (French)

The Canada vs. Ireland match will be showcased on three networks: TSN, CTV and RDS (French) as well as their streaming platforms.

TSN1, TSN4 and TSN5 will carry the match, as well as CTV. The French-language broadcast will be supplied by RDS.

Streaming options are available on TSN+ as well as the sites and apps of all three broadcasters (TSN, CTV, RDS).

Feargal Brennan

Feargal Brennan Photo

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.