Today marks the start of the women’s soccer competition, with all 12 competing teams in action across the day. That includes the U.S. Women’s National Team which faces Zambia in their opening group stage match in Nice at 3 p.m. ET.
The Olympics marks the start of a new era for the USWNT after an underwhelming performance at last year’s World Cup in which the team suffered a Round of 16 exit to Sweden after penalties— its earliest ever elimination from the tournament.
The early exit in the World Cup saw former head coach Vlatko Andonovski resign and he has now been replaced by Emma Hayes, who turned Chelsea into a major force in women’s soccer. Hayes has won 14 major trophies in her 12 years in charge in west London.
Gone too are USWNT stalwarts Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz — both retired after the World Cup. Alex Morgan, meanwhile, is now 35 years old and was not selected for the Games by Hayes.
Hayes’ squad for the Games is much younger and less experienced than the U.S. has had previously — only 10 of the 18-player roster were in the squad for the World Cup last year. But the group will still be considered among the medal contenders.
Hayes insists the team will not be burdened by the memory of its early exit from the World Cup. “I think this team is firmly focused on … creating a new history together,” Hayes said in a press conference. “Our motivation isn’t always about righting the wrongs. Far from it. We’re excited. We’re prepared.”
Unlike the men’s tournament, the women’s soccer competition at the Olympics is not age-restricted, meaning the teams competing at the Games are at full strength.
Defending gold medalists Canada have been mired in controversy this week after being accused of using a drone to spy on the training session of their first opponents New Zealand. Spain is also expected to be in the mix for gold, having won the World Cup last year.
Experienced captain Lindsey Horan will be crucial to the USWNT’s chances, while defender Naomi Girma had a breakthrough year in 2023 being named USWNT player of the year. Sophia Smith is another to look out for: the Portland Thorns forward was nominated last week for CONCACAF player of the year.
