As they prepare to host the world, Canada arrived home on Thursday 21 May to a heroine’s welcome with dozens of fans out greeting them at Pearson International Airport. The team returns home for a brief camp and then a friendly before heading to Edmonton ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 opening match on 6 June.

The Canadian team signed autographs and posed for photos with adoring fans, some of whom were struck speechless in the presence of their idols.

“She’ll catch her breath,” said one parent as her daughter gaped at the sight of Canada’s captain, Christine Sinclair. “She’s been dreaming of this moment."

Before heading to Edmonton for the competition opener on 6 June, Canada will face England in a send-off match at Tim Horton's Field on Friday 29 May in Hamilton, Ontario.

Canada is looking to put it all out there as hosts of the most important event in women’s football.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Canada’s coach, John Herdman. “We have a major advantage going into this tournament because we know Canada and we have Canadians behind us.”

This summer's FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 runs coast to coast from 6 June to 5 July in: Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ottawa, Ontario; Montréal, Québec; and Moncton, New Brunswick. Tickets to all matches are available at FIFA.com/Canada2015.