The U.S. women’s national team kicks off its quest for Olympic gold against Zambia on Thursday.
Just two months after taking over as USWNT head coach, Emma Hayes will make her major tournament debut as her side opens Group B play with its first-ever meeting against the Copper Queens.
Zambia is led by superstar forward Barbra Banda, a player Hayes recently called the “best striker in the world right now.” Banda has 12 goals in 12 NWSL games for the Orlando Pride this season.
Banda scored two hat tricks at the Olympics in 2021, also scoring at the 2023 World Cup as Zambia failed to advance out of the group stage on both occasions.
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The USWNT will be aiming for its first gold medal since 2012, having lost to Sweden in the quarterfinal in 2016 before falling against Canada in the semifinal in 2021.
Hayes will be sweating on the fitness of midfielder Rose Lavelle, who was a late scratch for the team’s send-off game against Costa Rica last week due to tightness in her groin.
After this match, the USWNT will face Germany and Australia in Group B.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
USA vs. Zambia (Olympic women’s soccer)
- When: Thursday, July 25
- Where: Stade de Nice (Nice, France)
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: USA Network, Universo, Peacock (WATCH NOW)
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