Olympic men’s football kicks off on Wednesday with the first round of group stage matches ahead of what promises to be an intriguing tournament rich in talent. From Paris Games host nation France to the US U-23 team, there are a number of gold medal contenders including UEFA Euro 2024 winners Spain, with La Roja targeting a men’s doubles. With previous winners Brazil not even present, there will be no title defense as the matches will largely take place outside the French capital due to the need for the main football venue – Stade de France – for the other disciplines. The next three weeks promise to continue your summer football in style and we try to predict how it will all play out in this tournament featuring U-23 teams plus three oversized players each.
Before the games, here are our staff’s picks:
How far can the US go?
Being drawn in a group with hosts France makes it difficult for the United States to win their group, but that doesn’t mean they can’t reach the knockout stages of this tournament. But alongside New Zealand and Guinea, it would be a disappointment if this team did not leave the group. New Zealand are a team with talent, but as long as the central duo of Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman can keep the ball out of the net, there is enough in this team to reach the quarter-finals. If you go much further than that, you’ll need luck of the draw. — Chuck Booth
Gold medal favorites
It’s hard not to imagine the business end of the tournament with hosts France, Euro winners Spain and Copa America winners Argentina. Despite a roster of great talent, Les Bleus’ preparations have been difficult, so many will likely consider La Roja or the Albiceleste as favourites. However, for the sake of argument, the Spaniards should be seen as the team to beat after their Euro victory. The French could grow into this, while the South Americans could be the ones setting the pace, but Spain is the one that will be in the spotlight before a ball has even been kicked. –Jonathan Johnson
Biggest disappointment
It’s worth being skeptical about how France will live up to expectations, given that only two Olympic host nations have won a medal in the last four decades. They also have what appears to be the toughest group on paper, but that could ultimately lead to disappointment in the American camp. Losing to the hosts in the opening match and Marko Mitrovic’s side still have ground to make up. It is not entirely certain that they will do so as they face a Guinean side of young talents such as Ilaix Moriba, led by the experienced presence of Naby Keita. –James Benge
