Canada Women’s national team head coach Bev Priestman has signed a new long-term contract to keep her in the role until the 2027 World Cup.
The 37-year-old guided Canada to the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before overseeing a group-stage exit at the 2023 World Cup.
Priestman has been in charge of Canada since October 2020, departing her role as England Women’s assistant coach to take the job.
“I want to thank Canada Soccer for this opportunity and I’m delighted to commit to this team, a collection of world-class players, through to the FIFA 2027 Women’s World Cup,” Priestman said. “We closed out 2023 in an exciting fashion and I can’t wait to continue the journey with this incredible group.
“It is clear to me that the future is bright with the talent we have coming through our system, and I’m honoured to be leading our efforts in chasing even more success for this program and our country.”
Charmaine Crooks, Canada Soccer President, added: “We are excited and proud that Bev will continue her leadership with us as we enter such an important period for our women’s program and for Canada. On behalf of our entire organization, we want to congratulate Bev and wish her all the best as our Women’s National Team continue their preparations for this summer’s Olympic Games.”
Canada was crowned Olympic champions in Tokyo during Priestman’s first year in charge after eliminating the USWNT in the semi-finals and beating Sweden on penalties in the gold medal match.
However, Priestman’s side was eliminated at the group stages of the 2023 World Cup, having been without key players Desiree Scott and Janine Beckie, while Deanne Rose, Nichelle Prince and Jessie Fleming struggled with injury in the build up to the tournament.
Canada was also contending with off-field issues after an ongoing dispute with Canada Soccer over budget cuts to the programme was made public in February. The players released a statement during the tournament announcing that an interim compensation deal had been agreed but adding they were “disappointed to find (ourselves) without a more complete agreement.”
Priestman was a FIFA Best Coach nominee in 2021 and 2022 and has a 28-9-10 record in her 47 matches in charge.
(Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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