Canada Women produced a resilient performance to defeat hosts France Women 2-1 in a pivotal Group A match on July 29. The victory put the reigning champions in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages. France started strongly and took the lead in the first half, sending the home crowd into raptures. Canada responded before the interval, scoring a scrappy equalizer from a corner to make it 1-1. The second half was a tense, tactical battle. Canada's winner came against the run of play, with a swift counter-attack finished coolly by their striker in the 70th minute. France threw everything forward in search of another equalizer but could not break down a disciplined Canadian defense. The 2-1 result was a major upset and a testament to Canada's tournament pedigree, moving them to the top of Group A and leaving the host nation's progression in doubt.