Women’s World Cup final: England, Canada stick with unchanged squads for Twickenham showdown.

Friday, 26th September 2025.

by inAfrika Newsroom

Women’s World Cup final week reached a key point on Thursday. England and Canada both confirmed unchanged 23-player squads for Saturday’s title match at Twickenham. England’s coach John Mitchell said the group would “manage emotions” and execute a familiar plan in front of a record women’s rugby crowd. Canada’s Kevin Rouet kept faith with the lineup that beat New Zealand in the semi-final.

England chase a third world title after wins in 1994 and 2014. The host nation is on a 32-match winning run since losing the 2022 final. Canada seek a first crown after reaching only one previous final, in 2014, which England won 21–9. Both staffs judged cohesion more valuable than late tweaks.

Mitchell said the squad has stayed “focused on the plan.” He named the same backline that handled France in the semi-final. Zoe Aldcroft captains a pack built for contact and set-piece pressure. England expect an 82,000 attendance, which would extend the record for a women’s XVs match by a wide margin. Players talked about excitement but stressed routine and clarity on roles.

Rouet matched that stance. He chose the same starters and bench for a third straight game. Canada knocked out six-time champions New Zealand with early tempo and clean exits. Veterans Karen Paquin and Tyson Beukeboom bring experience from the 2014 run. The staff praised non-selected squad members for pushing sessions and analysis.

Form guides tilt toward England. Canada have not beaten them in their last 13 meetings. England’s streak gives them confidence and an edge in the betting markets. But Canada’s semi-final display, and their sharper breakdown work, keep the contest open. Coaches on both sides flagged discipline and exit accuracy as swing factors. A tight whistle could decide territory and points.

Selection stability reduces late risk. Medical teams prefer known loads this deep into a tournament. Analysts say unchanged matchday groups simplify lineout calls, defensive pictures, and strike plays. It also reduces warm-up noise on the final weekend. England’s bench includes impact carriers. Canada balance experience with pace on the edges. Both benches could shape the last 20 minutes.

The venue adds scale and pressure. Twickenham’s “home” changing room went to Canada after a coin toss win. Rouet downplayed any edge. England still enjoy home crowd energy and short travel. Weather and surface are familiar to the hosts. Canada have embraced the stage as a measure of progress after steady rises in ranking.

The broader backdrop is growth in the women’s game. Ticket demand, broadcast windows, and sponsorship have climbed across this cycle. Saturday’s gate will spotlight that trend. England want to convert reach into a trophy. Canada want a breakthrough title to anchor future funding and depth. Either result reinforces the sport’s trajectory after a packed year for women’s competitions.

Kickoff is set for Saturday. Match officials and assignments follow standard final protocols. Both teams completed captain’s runs and media duties on Thursday, then shifted to recovery and detail reviews. The final message from each camp was simple: trust habits, start clean, and own the aerial and exit battles. On that, both sides agree. The rest will hinge on moments under lights in a sold-out stadium