The 2024 SheBelieves Cup begins in Atlanta on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it’ll look a little bit different this time around. Rather than the round-robin format of past years where the top points-getter is awarded the trophy, Saturday will see the sides square off in a semifinal doubleheader — the United States vs. Japan, Brazil vs. Canada — followed by a final and a 3rd-place match on Tuesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus.
Here’s a look at the teams in the field this year:
United States | 2016, 2018, 2020-2023 SheBelieves Cup champions; 4th in 2017
FIFA rank: 4
The scoop: Winning the SheBelieves Cup probably won’t fully erase the sting of the U.S. failing to place in the World Cup for the first time ever and capturing a disappointing bronze in the 2020 Olympics, but facing teams that will be in the 2024 Games won’t hurt their preparation, either. In fact, by the end of the tournament, they’ll have played against five straight countries that will be in the Olympics. Meanwhile, Twila Kilgore will be in the technical area once more as she continues to set the table for the pending arrival of Emma Hayes next month.
You need to watch: Lily Yohannes. It’s not known if the 16-year-old will even see the pitch during the tournament, but the moment might not be too big for a player receiving a healthy amount of 1st-team minutes at Ajax and in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Born in the U.S. but raised in the Netherlands since the age of 10, she’s been on the radar of the KNVB as a closely-watched decision between the two countries could materialize once she receives a Dutch passport.
Japan | 4th SheBelieves Cup appearance (2019, 3rd place; 2020, 4th place; 2023, 2nd place)
FIFA rank: 7
The scoop: The 2011 World Cup champions and runners-up in 2015, Japan will be looking for just the second Olympic medal in the country’s soccer history this summer. While they haven’t been able to maintain their golden years, they’ll hope that they can give a proper account of themselves during SheBelieves as head coach Futoshi Ikeda has lauded his younger players and the experience they received during last year’s World Cup.
You need to watch: Hinata Miyazawa. The World Cup’s Golden Boot winner in 2023, Miyazawa signed for Manchester United shortly after the tournament but suffered an ankle fracture in December. The injury’s limited her time with her club (1 goal in 9 games) but she’ll be in the fold for Nadeshiko for SheBelieves.
Canada | 3rd SheBelieves Cup appearance (2021, 3rd place; 2023, 4th place)
FIFA rank: 9
The scoop: Canada’s headed to Paris as the defending Olympic champion, with Steph Labbé’s smiling face during a penalty shootout in the final against Sweden one of the memorable images of the tournament. But this is a different team than the one from 3 years ago: Labbé, along with all-time leading international goalscorer Christine Sinclair, is retired, along with longtime midfield presence Sophie Schmidt.
You need to watch: Jordyn Huitema. The 22-year-old was mired in a bad run of form for much of 2022 and 2023, but she might have flipped a switch toward the turn of the calendar as she’s scored 5 goals in her last 3 appearances for her country. Her team ultimately fell to the U.S. in the Gold Cup semifinal, but despite being held without a goal in NWSL action through 3 matches, can she continue to put the pieces together in international play?
Brazil | 4th SheBelieves Cup appearance (2019, 4th place; 2021, 2nd place; 2023, 3rd place)
FIFA rank: 10
The scoop: After a runner-up finish in the 2007 World Cup, Seleção finished 5th in 2011 and fell in the Round of 16 in both 2015 and 2019 before crashing out in the group stage last year. That was the end of the line for ex-USWNT head coach Pia Sundhage, brought on in 2019 as the program’s 1st foreign-born manager. In came a return to Brazillian leadership in Arthur Elias, who had overwhelming success with Corinthians’ women’s side (5 league titles; 4 Copa Libretadores Femenina triumphs).
You need to watch: Priscila. The great Marta and fellow veterans Tamires and Cristiane will be on the Brazillian roster, but Priscila is one of the faces of the new wave of talent coming through the ranks. At just 19, she’s been tabbed as a player that “could define women’s soccer” this year; fans received a taste as she scored on her debut in November against Japan. In the 2023 Copa Libertadores Femenina, she was the tournament’s leader in goals with 6.
Scarves and Spikes will be on hand for the entire tournament, starting with Saturday at the Benz and continuing on to Tuesday’s games in Columbus. We’ll also be at the Nest on Four at the Signia by Hilton hotel in Atlanta on Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. to wrap up the day’s SheBelieves action and look ahead to Atlanta United vs. NYCFC. See you there!