The United States will make its return to men’s Olympic soccer in the most difficult way imaginable.
Marko Mitrović’s under-23 side will face host nation France in its Group A opener, with a huge crowd expected at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
Led by Thierry Henry, France boasts one of the most talented squads in the tournament and will be among the favorites for gold. Among France’s stars are Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise, Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
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For the U.S. men, who are playing their first Olympics match since 2008, any result against France will be a major boost. Mitrović will count on the Venezia midfield pair of Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessmann, with Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire expected to carry the load as the lone No. 9.
Following this match, the U.S. will also face New Zealand and Guinea to close out group play. The top two teams in Group A will advance to the quarterfinal, where teams will be just one win away from playing for a medal.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
France vs. USA (Olympic men’s soccer)
- When: Wednesday, July 24
- Where: Stade Vélodrome (Marseille, France)
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: USA Network, Telemundo, Peacock (WATCH NOW)
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