The United States women’s national team has been drawn into Group B at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a tournament that will mark the first competitive games for new head coach Emma Hayes. After a disappointing finish in the World Cup last year, the U.S. team is looking to reclaim their dominance in women’s soccer.
The U.S. will kick off their tournament play on July 25 in Nice against either Morocco or Zambia, two teams they have never faced before in competition. While the Americans have a strong historical record in the Olympics, winning four out of the first five tournaments, they are hungry for their first gold medal since the 2012 London Games. Despite a recent dip in FIFA rankings, the U.S. remains one of the top contenders in the tournament.
One of the standout matchups in Group B will be against Germany, a team that the U.S. has a 23-5-7 record against. Both teams have a rich history in women’s soccer, having won a combined six Women’s World Cup titles. Their only previous meeting in Olympic play was in the 2004 semifinal, which the U.S. won in extra time. Australia, another opponent in the group, has only defeated the U.S. once in 34 meetings. The two teams faced off in the previous Olympics, with the U.S. coming out on top in the bronze-medal game.
Newcomers to the Stage
Both Morocco and Zambia will be making their Olympic debuts in women’s soccer this year. While Morocco has never qualified for an Olympic tournament, Zambia made their first appearance in 2021. The inclusion of these new teams adds an element of unpredictability to the group, as they look to make their mark on the international stage.
Other Groupings
The defending Olympic champions, Canada, have been drawn into Group A alongside Colombia, New Zealand, and host France. Spain will be playing in Group C, facing off against Japan, Brazil, and the winner of the Nigeria-South Africa playoff. With a stacked lineup of teams across all groups, the competition is sure to be fierce.
Men’s Olympic Draw
On the men’s side, the U.S. men’s team will be competing at the Olympics for the first time since 2008. Drawn into Group A with host France, New Zealand, and the winner of the Guinea-Asian qualifying playoff, the U.S. will be looking to make a statement in the tournament. The men’s Olympic soccer tournament is a U-23 competition, with each team allowed three overage players.
The road to the 2024 Paris Olympics presents an exciting challenge for the United States women’s national team. With new leadership at the helm and a strong roster of players, they will be aiming to make a statement on the world stage and bring home the gold medal. The group stage matchups against familiar foes and newcomers alike will test their skills and determination, setting the stage for an electrifying tournament ahead.
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