
World Cup 2026 Watch: Canada's Marie Levasseur Joins WSL Returnees Birmingham City
BBC Sport·July 17, 2026
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues, national team players across the globe are making crucial club decisions to ensure they are at their absolute peak for the expanded tournament. For Canada, a nation gearing up to co-host the event alongside the USA and Mexico, securing competitive, high-level minutes for their stars is paramount. In a significant piece of business that serves this exact purpose, Canadian international defender Marie Levasseur has officially signed with Women's Super League (WSL) newcomers Birmingham City.
According to BBC Sport, the Blues have secured the services of Levasseur as they prepare for their highly anticipated return to the top flight of English women's football. For Levasseur, this transfer is much more than just a routine club change; it is a strategic career move designed to test her defensive mettle in one of the most demanding domestic leagues in the world ahead of the 2026 global spectacle.
The WSL is widely regarded as a premier destination for international talent, boasting an intensely physical and remarkably fast-paced style of play. By moving to Birmingham City, Levasseur will face elite-level attackers week in and week out, a crucible that will undoubtedly sharpen her tactical awareness and match fitness. With Canada expecting immense pressure to perform deeply in the tournament as a co-host, head coach Casey Stoney will be thoroughly pleased to see her defensive core tested in England's top division.
Birmingham City, who earned their promotion back to the WSL, are eager to solidify their backline with proven international pedigree. Levasseur brings a wealth of experience, calmness under pressure, and exceptional positional play to the squad. Her ability to read the game will be an invaluable asset for Birmingham as they look to establish themselves firmly in the first tier and avoid a relegation battle.
For fans tracking the Canadian national team's journey, this transfer is a massive storyline. Levasseur's commitment to testing herself in the unforgiving environment of the WSL demonstrates the relentless drive required to succeed at a home World Cup. Securing regular, competitive minutes against the world’s best is the ultimate preparation, and as reported by BBC Sport, this move to Birmingham City perfectly positions Levasseur to be a cornerstone of Canada's defensive line when the World Cup kicks off in 2026.
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