The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a significant milestone with the 29th appearance of men’s football and the eighth for women’s football in the Games. As one of the most anticipated events, the football tournament brought together the best young talents from around the world, each eager to showcase their skills on this prestigious international stage.
In the men’s competition, 16 teams were divided into four groups, each team battling fiercely for a top-two finish that would secure their place in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the women’s tournament featured 12 teams across three groups, with the top two from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout rounds.
Athletes and fans alike were promised a thrilling ride, with the Olympic spirit of unity and competition shining through every pass, goal, and save. The Paris 2024 football tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was a celebration of athletic prowess, international camaraderie, and the timeless love of the beautiful gamee.
The Men’s Tournament
Group A:
France: The host nation, aiming for gold on home soil, led by a talented squad.
USA: With a mix of young talent and experience, they were determined to make a deep run.
Guinea: The underdogs, looking to cause upsets and make their mark.
New Zealand: A team with a fighting spirit, ready to challenge the big names.
Group B:
Argentina: Football giants with a rich history, looking to add Olympic glory.
Morocco: A team with skill and flair, aiming to showcase their abilities on the big stage.
Iraq: A resilient side, playing with heart and passion.
Ukraine: Known for their tactical prowess, they were a team to watch.
Group C:
Uzbekistan: A rising football nation, eager to prove themselves.
Spain: One of the favorites, with a blend of youth and experience.
Egypt: Strong and determined, with a legacy of football excellence.
Dominican Republic: Making their debut, full of enthusiasm and hope.
Group D:
Japan: Technically gifted and disciplined, they were aiming for a podium finish.
Paraguay: A team with a never-give-up attitude, ready to fight till the end.
Mali: Bringing physicality and skill, they were prepared for tough battles.
Israel: Strategic and focused, looking to make an impact.
Key Group Stage Matches
Group Stage
Group A
Date
Match
Result
July 24
Guinea U23 vs. New Zealand U23
1-2
July 24
France U23 vs. USA U23
3-0
July 27
New Zealand U23 vs. USA U23
1-4
July 27
France U23 vs. Guinea U23
1-0
July 30
New Zealand U23 vs. France U23
TBD
July 30
USA U23 vs. Guinea U23
TBD
Pos.
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
France U23
2
2
0
0
4
6
WW
2
USA U23
2
1
0
1
0
3
LW
3
New Zealand U23
2
1
0
1
-2
3
WL
4
Guinea U23
2
0
0
2
-2
0
LL
Group B
Date
Match
Result
July 24
Argentina U23 vs. Morocco U23
1-2
July 24
Iraq U23 vs. Ukraine U23
2-1
July 27
Argentina U23 vs. Iraq U23
3-1
July 27
Ukraine U23 vs. Morocco U23
2-1
July 30
Morocco U23 vs. Iraq U23
TBD
July 30
Ukraine U23 vs. Argentina U23
TBD
Pos.
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
Argentina U23
2
1
0
1
1
3
LW
2
Ukraine U23
2
1
0
1
0
3
LW
3
Morocco U23
2
1
0
1
0
3
WL
4
Iraq U23
2
1
0
1
-1
3
WL
Group C
Date
Match
Result
July 24
Uzbekistan U23 vs. Spain U23
1-2
July 24
Egypt U23 vs. Dominican Republic U23
0-0
July 27
Dominican Republic U23 vs. Spain U23
1-3
July 27
Uzbekistan U23 vs. Egypt U23
0-1
July 30
Dominican Republic U23 vs. Uzbekistan U23
TBD
July 30
Spain U23 vs. Egypt U23
TBD
Pos.
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
Spain U23
2
2
0
0
3
6
WW
2
Egypt U23
2
1
1
0
1
4
DW
3
Dominican Republic U23
2
0
1
1
-2
1
DL
4
Uzbekistan U23
2
0
0
2
-2
0
LL
Group D
Date
Match
Result
July 24
Japan U23 vs. Paraguay U23
5-0
July 24
Mali U23 vs. Israel U23
1-1
July 27
Israel U23 vs. Paraguay U23
2-4
July 27
Japan U23 vs. Mali U23
1-0
July 30
Israel U23 vs. Japan U23
TBD
July 30
Paraguay U23 vs. Mali U23
TBD
Pos.
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
Japan U23
2
2
0
0
6
6
WW
2
Paraguay U23
2
1
0
1
-3
3
LW
3
Mali U23
2
0
1
1
-1
1
DL
4
Israel U23
2
0
1
1
-2
1
DL
Knockout Stage
Quarter-finals (August 2)
Match
Teams
Venue
Time
25
1A vs. 2B
Stade de Bordeaux
8pm
26
1B vs. 2A
Parc des Princes
2pm
27
1C vs. 2D
Stade de Marseille
6pm
28
1D vs. 2C
Stade de Lyon
4pm
Semi-finals (August 5)
Match
Teams
Venue
Time
29
Winner Match 25 vs. Winner Match 27
Stade de Lyon
8pm
30
Winner Match 26 vs. Winner Match 28
Stade de Marseille
5pm
Bronze Medal Match (August 8)
Match
Teams
Venue
Time
31
Loser Match 29 vs. Loser Match 30
Stade de la Beaujoire
4pm
Gold Medal Match
Match
Teams
Venue
Time
32
Winner Match 29 vs. Winner Match 30
TBD
TBD
Women’s Olympic Football Schedule and Results
Date
Group
Match
Result
Venue
Kick-off Time
Jul 25
A
Canada Women vs. New Zealand Women
2-1
A
France Women vs. Colombia Women
3-2
B
Germany Women vs. Australia Women
3-0
B
USA Women vs. Zambia Women
3-0
C
Spain Women vs. Japan Women
2-1
C
Nigeria Women vs. Brazil Women
0-1
Jul 28
A
New Zealand Women vs. Colombia Women
0-2
A
France Women vs. Canada Women
1-2
B
Australia Women vs. Zambia Women
6-5
B
USA Women vs. Germany Women
4-1
C
Brazil Women vs. Japan Women
1-2
C
Spain Women vs. Nigeria Women
1-0
Jul 31
A
New Zealand Women vs. France Women
Stade de Lyon, Lyon
8pm
A
Colombia Women vs. Canada Women
Stade de Nice, Nice
8pm
B
Australia Women vs. USA Women
Stade de Marseille, Marseille
6pm
B
Zambia Women vs. Germany Women
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne
6pm
C
Brazil Women vs. Spain Women
Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
4pm
C
Japan Women vs. Nigeria Women
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
4pm
Women’s Group Standings
Group A
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
Colombia
2
1
0
1
1
3
L W
2
France
2
1
0
1
0
3
W L
3
Canada
2
2
0
0
2
6
W W
4
New Zealand
2
0
0
2
-3
0
L L
Group B
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
USA
2
2
0
0
6
6
W W
2
Germany
2
1
0
1
0
3
W L
3
Australia
2
1
0
1
-2
3
L W
4
Zambia
2
0
0
2
-4
0
L L
Group C
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Form
1
Spain
2
2
0
0
2
6
W W
2
Japan
2
1
0
1
0
3
L W
3
Brazil
2
1
0
1
0
3
W L
4
Nigeria
2
0
0
2
-2
0
L L
Women’s Knockout Stage Schedule
Date
Stage
Match
Venue
Kick-off Time
Aug 3
Quarter-finals
1A vs. 3B/C
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
8pm
1B vs. 2C
Parc des Princes, Paris
2pm
1C vs. 3A/B
Stade de Lyon, Lyon
4pm
2A vs. 2B
Stade de Marseille, Marseille
6pm
Aug 6
Semi-finals
Winner Match 19 vs. Winner Match 21
Stade de Marseille, Marseille
8pm
Winner Match 20 vs. Winner Match 22
Stade de Lyon, Lyon
5pm
Aug 9
Bronze match
Loser Match 23 vs. Loser Match 24
Stade de Lyon, Lyon
2pm
Aug 10
Gold match
Winner Match 23 vs. Winner Match 24
Parc des Princes, Paris
4pm
Football Venues at Paris 2024
Venue
City
Capacity
Parc des Princes
Paris
47,929
Stade de Bordeaux
Bordeaux
42,115
Stade de Lyon
Lyon
59,186
Stade de Marseille
Marseille
67,394
Stade de la Beaujoire
Nantes
35,322
Stade de Nice
Nice
36,178
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Saint-Etienne
41,965
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympic men’s football tournament has been a thrilling display of skill and competition, with teams from across the globe vying for glory. The group stages have set the stage for intense knockouts, with France, Spain, and Japan emerging as dominant forces. The diverse line-up promises exciting quarter-final clashes as each team aims to advance and ultimately contend for the gold medal. The road to the podium is fraught with challenges, and as we move into the knockout rounds, every match carries the weight of dreams and aspirations. Fans worldwide eagerly await the crowning of the next Olympic football champions, who will etch their names into the annals of sporting history.
Sankavi Ettikkan is a passionate sports journalist with a deep-rooted love for the game. With a keen eye for storytelling and a knack for digital marketing, she brings a unique perspective to the world of sports journalism. Mail sportscroon@gmail.com for promotions!