The 2024 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament kicks off on Thursday, and the United States Women’s National Team joins 11 other teams in a fight for a gold medal. Unlike the Men’s Football Tournament, this tournament is one of the major tournaments on the women’s international calendar. Bringing the senior national team rosters, it’s a chance for teams to assess where they are in relation to some of the other top teams in the world at the beginning of a new World Cup cycle that culminates with the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Spain enters the tournament as the current Women’s World Cup champions, and they will attempt to become the first team to win the Women’s World Cup and Olympics in consecutive years. Canada returns as the reigning gold medalists from Tokyo 2020, and they seek to defend their title in this tournament. The USWNT hope to return to their glory that saw them win a gold medal in 2012 and Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
With 12 strong teams in the field, each matchday will have multiple strong matchups. Taking a look at each matchday, picking one match from each of the three groups, we give you some matches that you will want to ensure is on your TV screen.
Thursday, July 25th
France vs. Colombia – Hosts France face a Colombia team that kicked down the doors of the elite tier last summer during the Women’s World Cup. Linda Caicedo is poised to become a star and they will go up against one of the main favorites to win on home soil.
USA vs. Zambia – The USWNT play their first match, but it will certainly be a better matchup than the rankings let on. Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji both have been lighting up the NWSL and are the two most in-form strikers on the planet, and they could pose problems for the USWNT.
Spain vs. Japan – The reigning world champions look to get off to a great start, but they meet a sound team in Japan that is good enough where a win won’t be a shock to anyone. Japan smoked Spain 4-0 in the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, so they will be looking to once again leave with the win. Japan will look to keep Spain at bay once again.
Sunday, July 28th
France vs. Canada – Canada gets their shot at the hosts in the second matchday, and this match could very well determine who is in the driver’s seat to win Group A.
Australia vs. Zambia – Australia and Zambia could be fighting to have the leg up on getting out of the group, which will make this match a wide open affair where both teams will be trying to light up the scoreboard.
Brazil vs. Japan – Two very different styles hit the field together as Brazil try to open up the attack against Japan’s compact defense. Barbra Banda is ready for another tournament full of goals.
Wednesday, July 31st
Colombia vs. Canada – Who gets second place in Group A? That could very well be decided in this match. Both teams have some stars that can excite fans with their play, and one of them could be the difference.
Australia vs. USA – When Australia and the USWNT face each other, it’s always an electric match. In Tokyo 2020, the USWNT won the bronze medal match against the Aussies 4-3. We could see something similar here.
Brazil vs. Spain – This might be the most intriguing matchup of the group stage, as Brazil can rise to the occasion against Spain. Spain will be looking to capture the group and show they can embrace the pressure that comes with being the defending world champions and the #1 team in the world.
The Olympic Women’s Tournament is available to watch on the NBC family of networks including Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo. Get ready for a fun two weeks!
