08.08.2024 - This year, the Paris 2024 Olympics thrills with its celebration of sportsmanship and a unity of nations by bringing together athletes from all over the world in various sports competitions.
Of all these sports, there is one that holds exceptional prominence in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide: football. With so many people looking forward to the matches, it will be pretty good to have adequate information on which teams and players are worth watching.
The best football venues, the teams to watch in both the men's and women's tournaments, some potentially crucial matches during this group stage, and, lastly, semifinal and final predictions will be discussed. Those who have an interest in sport betting Zambia should take advantage of the various options availed by places like Betway and get into the action of Olympic football.
Paris Olympics 2024 Football Venues
The football matches for the Paris 2024 Olympics are being held in several venues across France. These include:
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Parc des Princes in Paris
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Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux
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Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes
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Stade de Lyon in Lyon
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Stade Vélodrome in Marseille
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Allianz Riviera in Nice
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Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne
Football Rules at the 2024 Olympics in Paris
The football competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics adheres to standard FIFA rules with some Olympic-specific adjustments:
General Rules
Both men’s and women’s competitions feature two teams of 11 players, competing in 90-minute matches split into two 45-minute halves on a grass pitch. The goal is to score more goals than the opponent within the match time, including stoppage time.
Men’s Competition Specifics
Men’s teams consist of players born on or after January 1, 2001, meaning they are 23 or younger during Paris 2024. Each team is allowed to include up to three players who are older than this age limit, providing a mix of youth and experience.
Tournament Schedule
Due to the large number of matches, the football tournament begins two days since July 24, 2024 before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 26, 2024, a practice that has been in place since the Sydney 2000 Games. This scheduling ensures all matches can be completed within the Olympic timeframe.
2024 Paris Olympics Football Group Stage Schedule and Scores
Men’s Football
Group A
July 24, 2024: Guinea vs. New Zealand: 1-2
July 25, 2024: France vs. United States: 3-0
July 28, 2024: New Zealand vs. United States: 1-4, France vs. Guinea: 1-0
July 31, 2024: New Zealand vs. France: 0-3, United States vs. Guinea: 3-0
Group B
July 24, 2024: Argentina vs. Morocco: 1-2
July 25, 2024: Iraq vs. Ukraine: 2-1
July 27, 2024: Argentina vs. Iraq: 3-1, Ukraine vs. Morocco: 2-1
July 30, 2024: Ukraine vs. Argentina: 0-2, Morocco vs. Iraq: 3-0
Group C
July 24, 2024: Uzbekistan vs. Spain: 1-2, Egypt vs. Dominican Republic: 0-0
July 27, 2024: Dominican Republic vs. Spain: 1-3, Uzbekistan vs. Egypt: 0-1
July 30, 2024: Dominican Republic vs. Uzbekistan: 1-1, Spain vs. Egypt: 1-2
Group D
July 25, 2024: Japan vs. Paraguay: 5-0, Mali vs. Israel: 1-1
July 28, 2024: Israel vs. Paraguay: 2-4, Japan vs. Mali: 1-0
July 31, 2024: Israel vs. Japan: 0-1, Paraguay vs. Mali: 1-0
August 2, 2024: Men’s Quarter-finals
Morocco vs. United States (#26)
Japan vs. Spain (#28)
August 3, 2024: Men’s Quarter-finals
Egypt vs. Paraguay (#27)
France vs. Argentina (#25)
August 6, 2024: Men’s Semi-final
Winner #26 vs Winner #28 (#30)
Winner #25 vs Winner #27 (#29)
August 8, 2024: Men’s Bronze Medal Match (#31)
Runner-Up #29 & Runner-Up #30
August 10, 2024: Men’s Gold Medal Match (#32)
Winner #29 & Winner #30
Women’s Football
Group A
July 25, 2024: Canada vs. New Zealand: 2-1
July 26, 2024: France vs. Colombia: 3-2
July 28, 2024: New Zealand vs. Colombia: 0-2
July 29, 2024: France vs. Canada: 1-2
August 1, 2024: New Zealand vs. France: 1-2, Colombia vs. Canada: 0-1
Group B
July 26, 2024: Germany vs. Australia: 3-0
July 29, 2024: Australia vs. Zambia: 6-5
August 1, 2024: Australia vs. United States: 1-2, Zambia vs. Germany: 1-4
Group C
July 25, 2024: Spain vs. Japan: 2-1
July 26, 2024: Nigeria vs. Brazil: 0-1
July 28, 2024: Brazil vs. Japan: 1-2
July 29, 2024: Spain vs. Nigeria: 1-0
July 31, 2024: Brazil vs. Spain: 0-2, Japan vs. Nigeria: 3-1
August 3, 2024: Women’s Quarter-finals
United States vs. Japan (#20)
Spain vs. Colombia (#21)
August 4, 2024: Women’s Quarter-finals
Canada vs. Germany (#22)
France vs. Brazil (#19)
August 6, 2024: Women’s Semi-final
Winner #20 vs Winner #22 (#24)
Winner #19 vs Winner #21 (#23)
August 9, 2024: Women’s Bronze Medal Match (#25)
Runner-Up #23 & Runner-Up #24
August 10, 2024: Women’s Gold Medal Match (#26)
Winner #23 & Winner #24
You may check out the Paris 2024 Olympics official website for full notes or changes of the football schedule and scores.
Top Teams to Watch and Predictions: Men’s and Women’s Football in Paris Olympics 2024
Men’s Football Quarter-final Predictions
Morocco vs. United States
Prediction: United States to win
The shape and depth shown so far by the USMNT make them favorites against Morocco. The mix between young blood and experience makes them pretty potent up front. This Moroccan team is quite balanced, even in terms of experience with their opponents, but surely still lacking in the department of international exposure as compared to their rivals.
Japan vs. Spain
Prediction: Spain to win
Depth in talent and tactical acumen puts Spain to the front against Japan. Their robust attacking game is one that will surely make them dominate, looking back at their past solid performance on the international level. Japan improved, but still, it may not be able to handle the experience Spain has garnered from high-pressure situations.
Egypt vs. Paraguay
Prediction: Egypt to win
Egypt is favored to win due to their solid form during the tournament games and key players. The team can play well in defense, allowing key counterattacks that are likely to crack Paraguayan weaknesses. Though Paraguay has some strengths, recent form tells a great deal about determination, which should carry Egypt through to the end.
France vs. Argentina
Prediction: France to win
With talent and experience, France goes into the fray as the favored team against Argentina. It is an attacking game and the speed in transition that makes all the difference. Although Argentina has an illustrious past, current form will most likely weigh decisively for France.
Men’s Football Semi-final Predictions
United States vs. Spain
Prediction: United States to win
Though the test of Spain puts the USMNT through its paces, its blend of youthful energy and experience makes it a sure bet. The tactical efficiency of Spain will keep the game tight, and what should make for a difference in this case is that the ability of the USMSC to do what they need to do at the moment when called upon. In that respect, recent form favors the United States in this matchup.
Egypt vs. France
Prediction: France to win
France is expected to get through Egypt because of their depth and experience. They will simply be too strong for Egypt, with their attacking options and the variability in their gameplay. Though Egypt has dug deep to show some resolve, it should ultimately prove enough to get France through to the final.
Men’s Football Final Prediction
United States vs. France
Prediction: France to win
An epic finale is foreseen between France and the United States. The former seems a little better at everything both teams have done so well. Perhaps, they just have a little more depth and experience in big games that will warranty forwarding the action into deciding control and press on for scoring opportunities to earn them Olympic gold.
Women’s Football Quarter-final Predictions
United States vs. Japan
Prediction: United States to win
They have been very dominant in group stages, showing their strength against Australia and New Zealand. The team's undeniable strength in international women's soccer, with four World Cup titles, places them at an advantage over Japan. It is expected that a deep pool of talent and experienced players such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe will be too much to handle for Japan.
Spain vs. Colombia
Prediction: Spain to win
Spain has been in outstanding form, most notably against strong opposition from teams like Japan and Brazil. Their impressive defensive record coupled with their brand of football based on holding possession will give them the huge edge over Colombia.
Canada vs. Germany
Prediction: Canada to win
Canada is expected to triumph over Germany, bolstered by their gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The tight defensive structure, together with quick transitions, may use them effectively against German weaknesses.
France vs. Brazil
Prediction: France to win
France has come up with good performances, including some of the key victories in the group stages. France takes the tag of favorites against Brazil because of home advantage and tactical strength. The well-organized defense and dynamic attack of France is expected to triumph over Brazil, who have shown less consistency recently.
Women’s Football Semi-final Predictions
United States vs. Canada
Prediction: United States to win
The USWNT has been going on stupendously in their group matches as they are a well-balanced team with a lot of experience. It is this tactical flexibility and pressure-driven style that gives them an edge over Canada. At the same time, it would be hard not to credit Canada for their resilience in this one. Still, what arguably puts the US ahead in this final show-down is its record of steady international success.
Spain vs. France
Prediction: Spain to win
Spain will come out on top at the expense of France due to their core game approach which pivots on possession football coached by Jorge Vilda. Even though France will have the home advantage, Spain can set the rhythm and should get them over the line with their solid defensive work against a dangerous French attack.
Women’s Football Final Prediction
United States vs. Spain
Prediction: United States to win
In the final, the United States is predicted to win against Spain. The experience of playing in finals will make a huge difference with this world-class roster. Spain, however, will pose a great challenge by aligning tactically with the USWNT. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging stars will probably help them win the gold medal. The final clash of talent and strategy is bound to be exciting.
