These are the first competitive matches played by the US women’s national soccer team under head coach Emma Hayes during the 2024 Olympic soccer tournament in Paris. She takes charge after the USWNT was eliminated by Sweden in the round of 16 last year, its lowest World Cup finish ever.
The USWNT is aiming for their first gold medal since the 2012 London Games after taking home a bronze at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The USWNT won four of the first five Olympics that featured women’s soccer.
One of the favourites is Spain, the world champions, although Canada, the reigning gold medalists, can also be considered. There are no U23 age limitations, unlike the men’s Olympic soccer competition; therefore, a plethora of elite talent will be on display.
The two best third-place teams and the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout round. Thus, this is what to anticipate when the competition kicks off on July 25 and runs until August 10.
Colombia vs. France could be the most thrilling clash between two brutal and muscular attackers, notwithstanding the rivalry between France and Canada. The two have amazing skill all over the field, and although France will be optimistic, Colombia has proven they are a formidable opponent after eliminating Germany from the World Cup the previous year. When these two meet in Lyon on July 25, get ready for fireworks.