Canada defeats Argentina in penalty shootout after scoreless draw in the SheBelieves Cup

HARRISON, N.J. — Canada earned a dramatic 3-2 victory over Argentina on penalties after neither side could break the deadlock in 90 minutes of regulation at the SheBelieves Cup on Saturday night.

Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan proved the hero, denying Argentina’s first two attempts in the shootout to set the tone. The decisive moment arrived when Vanina Preininger fired her spot kick over the crossbar, sealing Canada’s win under the tournament’s new format that sends matches directly to penalties if level at full-time.

The 90 minutes of open play offered few clear chances. Canada’s best opportunity came in the opening half when Jordyn Huitema unleashed a powerful shot, only to see Argentine keeper Solana Pereyra tip the effort onto the woodwork and out of danger. From there, both defenses held firm, leaving the scoreboard untouched and setting the stage for the shootout drama.

The result leaves Argentina without a goal in the round-robin competition and in last place. Canada, meanwhile, awaits its final tournament standing pending the outcome of Saturday’s late match between the United States and Colombia.

Canada welcomed back captain Jessie Fleming, who had sat out the previous contest against the United States because of illness. Arsenal forward Olivia Smith remained unavailable after being ruled out of the tournament with a concussion.

Looking ahead, Argentina will return to action next month in the CONMEBOL Women’s Nations League, which doubles as South American qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Canada, for its part, will pursue World Cup qualification through the CONCACAF W Championship beginning in November.