Olivia Smith scores and assists, but Denmark hold on after three first-half goals in nine minutes condemn Canada to defeat in Toronto.
Denmark defeated Canada’s women’s national team 4–3 in an entertaining international friendly at BMO Field in Toronto on Monday, October 12, 2026, despite a spirited second-half fightback from the hosts.
Canada took an early lead through Delaney Baie Pridham, who scored her first international goal in the 10th minute, but Denmark responded with three goals in a devastating nine-minute spell to establish a 3–1 advantage before half-time.
Olivia Holdt levelled for Denmark in the 23rd minute with a long-range effort before captain Pernille Harder put the visitors ahead four minutes later. Holdt then struck again in the 32nd minute, punishing another defensive error to give Denmark a two-goal cushion.
Canada regrouped after the break, with Evelyne Viens reducing the deficit in the 49th minute to revive hopes of a comeback.
However, Denmark restored its two-goal advantage through Janni Thomsen in the 61st minute, leaving the hosts with another uphill battle.
Arsenal forward Olivia Smith continued her impressive contribution to Canada’s attack, scoring in the 70th minute to make it 4–3 and set up a tense finish. Despite their efforts, the Canadians could not find another equaliser as Denmark held on for victory.
Smith Leads Canada’s Fightback
Smith emerged as one of Canada’s standout performers, contributing a goal and an assist in an attacking display that offered encouragement despite the defeat. Her individual quality and ability to create opportunities helped fuel Canada’s second-half response.
The performance also highlighted the potential of Canada’s younger attacking options, including Pridham and Kaylee Hunter, while Julia Grosso offered another option as the hosts sought to turn the contest around.
For Denmark, Holdt’s brace and Harder’s goal proved decisive, while Thomsen’s second-half strike ultimately separated the teams.
Defensive Errors Cost Canada
While Canada showed character in fighting back from a two-goal deficit, the three goals conceded in nine first-half minutes proved costly. Denmark capitalised on defensive lapses to overturn the hosts’ early advantage and put themselves in control.
The defeat offers Canada valuable lessons ahead of the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, where the team will pursue qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
For head coach Casey Stoney, the performance presented both encouragement in Canada’s attacking response and areas for improvement, particularly in defensive organisation and concentration.
Canada’s seven-goal encounter with Denmark demonstrated the team’s capacity to threaten in attack, but the narrow defeat underlined the importance of greater defensive consistency against quality opposition.