Tokyo, Japan – Team Canada punched its ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 Nissin Foods World Lacrosse Women’s Championship with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory over host Japan on Tuesday.
In a quarter-final worthy of the stage, Canada battled back and forth with the host nation for 60 minutes before Aurora Cordingley scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
By the Numbers
Final Score: CAN 5 | JPN 4 (OT)
Shots on Goal: CAN 7 | JPN 7
Draw Controls: CAN 6 | JPN 7
Ground Balls: CAN 8 | JPN 1
Caused Turnovers: CAN 4 | JPN 2
Saves: CAN 3 | JPN 2
Turnovers: CAN 7 | JPN 7
Player of the Game: Aurora Cordingley
How It Happened
Japan’s game plan was clear from the opening draw: control possession and dictate the pace of the game. The hosts used lengthy offensive possessions to wear down the Canadian defence while limiting opportunities for Canada’s attack. The strategy worked to perfection in the opening half, as Canada was held without a shot for the first time in the tournament and trailed 2-0 at the break.
Canada’s coaching staff made key adjustments coming out of halftime, implementing a more aggressive defensive approach that quickly changed the momentum. The increased pressure forced turnovers and created transition opportunities, allowing Canada’s offence to find its rhythm. The Canadians erased the two-goal deficit by scoring twice in the opening four minutes of the second half before the teams traded goals the rest of the way, finishing regulation deadlocked at 4-4.
Early in overtime, Kameron Halsall delivered the biggest save of the tournament for Canada, turning aside a point-blank opportunity to keep the game alive. Moments later, Aurora Cordingley buried the overtime winner, sending Canada to the semifinals with a thrilling 5-4 victory.
The win marks Canada’s fourth consecutive victory at the championship and keeps its pursuit of a world title alive.
Standout Performers
Aurora Cordingley
- 2 goals
- Game-winning overtime goal
- Player of the Game
Kameron Halsall
- Game-saving stop in overtime
- 3 saves
Full Game Statistics
Complete game statistics, including the box score, scoring summary and team statistics, are available on the World Lacrosse website.
Photo Gallery
Browse the best photos from Canada’s dramatic 5-4 overtime victory over Japan as the Canadians advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Nissin Foods World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.
What’s Next
Canada advances to the semifinals, where it will face the Haudenosaunee on Friday at 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT with a spot in the gold medal game on the line.