Our Summer of Soccer continues as the US Women’s and Under-23 Men’s National Teams head to the 2024 Summer Olympics this month. Both tournaments include three group matches plus a quarterfinal, semifinal, and final. While not at the level of a World Cup, this tournament holds some significance for both genders. For the men, this tournament signifies the hopeful start of a golden generation or, at the very least, a look at a promising next generation. On the women’s side, the Olympic tournament ranks just behind the World Cup in prestige. 

Here’s a primer for both the men’s and women’s tournaments from the Yanks’ perspective. 

The Olympics only allow 18 players on the active roster, plus four alternates that can only replace an injured player. For this tournament, teams can temporarily replace an injured squad player, switching for just one game if needed. On the men’s side, all but three players must have been born after January 1, 2001. 

Teams have only two days rest between games — a grind of a tournament. While these are the Paris 2024 games, the soccer tournament will mostly take place in the South of France. Our teams play in Nice, Marseille, and Saint-Etienne. The finals will be played in Parc des Princes in Paris. This summer marks a historic first in Olympic soccer — the women’s tournament will conclude after the men’s; August 9 and 10, respectively.

Our young crew might have the hype of AO and other U.S. fans behind them, but they face a tough slate this summer. The U-23 MNT must finish in the top of the group to advance to the knockouts. 

Not only do the U.S. have to play the hosts, that same team is the mighty France. Les Jeuens Blues have pedigree, legacy, and talent. Also on the menu is New Zealand, plus Guinea, another qualifier from Asia/Africa. 

Men, Group A:

vs. France, Wednesday, July 24, 3 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. CT

vs. New Zealand, Saturday, July 27, 1 p.m. ET/ noon CT

vs. Guinea, Tuesday, July 30, 1 p.m. ET/noon CT

Although they hold four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, the USWNT are not the favorites in Paris this summer. Reigning World Cup champions Spain claim that honor and hosts France are now ranked ahead of the U.S., as well.

In Group B, the USWNT face the only other nation to win multiple World Cups, Germany. They also clash with 2023 World Cup semi-finalists Australia and Zambia, who also appeared at the 2023 World Cup. The top two teams advance to the knockout stage with the two best third-place teams. 

Women, Group B:

vs. Zambia, Thursday, July 25, 3 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. CT

vs. Germany, Sunday, July 28, 3 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. CT

vs. Australia, Wednesday, June 31, 1 pm. ET/ noon CT

As with previous Olympics, AO will not have an official section due to how the Olympic Committee handles tickets. If you're still looking for tickets, you can check their website here: https://tickets.paris2024.org/en

As with previous Olympics, AO will be listing meet up locations before matches, but will not be hosting any official events staffed by AO. Please check the events page for more information or join the Facebook Group, which will also be updated.