Canada Soccer hires Eleri Earnshaw as women’s team assistant coach

OTTAWA — Canada Soccer hired Eleri Earnshaw as an assistant coach with the senior women’s national team on Friday.

Earnshaw joins head coach Casey Stoney’s staff ahead of the 2026 CONCACAF W Qualifiers, which determine spots at the 2027 Women’s World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The 41-year-old from Wales spent the past five seasons with National Women’s Soccer League club Angel City FC, most recently as assistant coach.

She has also coached at the collegiate and international levels, working with the Welsh women’s national team and the United States women’s under-20 team.

Before embarking on her coaching career, she played for England’s Arsenal and Barnet before continuing her professional career in the United States.

Earnshaw also earned 21 senior caps for Wales.

“I’m really excited to join Canada Soccer and to work with Casey and the staff,” Earnshaw said in a statement. “This is a team with high standards and a clear ambition, and I’m looking forward to being part of the environment, getting to know the players and contributing to the work ahead.”

Stoney said Earnshaw bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.

“We’re really pleased to have her join our coaching staff. She’ll bring a lot to the environment we’re continuing to build, both on and off the pitch, and I’m confident she’ll make a great contribution to the group,” Stoney said. “We’re looking forward to having her with us and to seeing the impact she’ll have with this team.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2026.