Ex-England captain Stoney hired to coach Canada

Former England captain Casey Stoney was named coach of the Canada women's team on Monday in a three-year deal that runs through the next Women's World Cup, with an option for 2028.

The 42-year-old Stoney had been hired in 2021 by the San Diego Wave FC and was the NWSL expansion team's first and only head coach until her firing in June of 2024 after a seven-game losing streak. She guided the Wave to the playoffs in 2022 and was NWSL coach of the year that season.

Stoney was hired to replace former coach Bev Priestman, who was suspended in the summer of 2024 following a drone surveillance scandal at the Paris Olympics, and was subsequently fired in November following an independent review.

New Zealand had complained about a drone flying over practices before the start of the Olympic tournament, prompting FIFA to fine Canada Soccer $228,000 and strip six standings points from the team. Priestman was suspended by soccer's international governing body for a year.

Despite the penalty, Canada advanced from the group stage before losing to Germany on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.

"Canada has a proud tradition in women's football, and I am excited to work with such a talented group of players," Stoney said in a statement from Canada Soccer. "Together with the federation's new leadership, we will strive to build on past successes and continue to grow the sport in Canada on and off the field.

"I look forward to the journey ahead and to engaging with the incredible passion of Canadian soccer fans."

Stoney captained Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics and earned 130 caps for England. She played for Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea, Lincoln and Liverpool before retiring in 2018 to join then-England women's coach Phil Neville's coaching staff.

"Casey's track record of successful leadership, her values and strength of character, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of women's football make her the right person to lead our national team into its next chapter," Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said.

Stoney is expected to coach sixth-ranked Canada next month for a three-match series in Spain.