The Women’s World Cup champions Canada can defeat anyone, according to veteran captain Christine Sinclair, who said: “This team is full of rock stars.”

They are ranked seventh and will play Nigeria in their challenging Group B opener on Friday in Melbourne. In their attempt to advance to the knockout rounds, they will also encounter the co-hosts Australia and the rookies Ireland.

At her sixth World Cup, Sinclair, the all-time leading scorer in international football, issued a warning against underestimating her team.