Although the first ever summer Olympic Games happened in 1896, women’s football
was not introduced to the tournament until a century later. The Paris Olympics 2024
marks the sport’s eighth appearance in the history of the Games.
Women’s football is developing daily, and the sport is becoming much more popular.
With this in mind, how will the Olympics boost the growth of the women’s game?
Which nations are predicted to be successful this summer, or make history?
Current Records
At present, the USA hold the record for the most medals, and gold medals, won in
the women’s football category at the Olympic Games; they have four gold medals.
No other nation has finished first more than once in this tournament. Yet, there are
eight different countries who have placed on the podium since the first women’s
football feature at the Olympics in 1996.
Regarding goals scored, there are many records that could be broken this summer.
For example, only six players have currently scored ten or more goals as Olympians.
Included in this list are many huge names in the women’s game: Cristiane (14),
Marta (13), Sinclair (12), Prinz (10), Lloyd (10) and Miedema (10). In Paris, it is
expected that the goal tally will be high. Top strikers have the potential to net enough
to reach a decade of goals.
With several new teams entering the Olympic stage for the first time, this year brings
higher levels of competition and excitement. For example, New Zealand, Nigeria,
Zambia, France, Columbia, Australia and even the current World Champions, Spain
are yet to place on the Olympic podium. These nations should not be
underestimated. Although they will face decorated and experienced opponents in the
Games, new sides can make history by progressing through the tournament and
conquering their opponents.
Ones to watch in Paris
Spain are the favourites to win gold this summer. Despite this year bringing their
tournament debut, La Roja have seen nothing but success. Since securing a victory
at the UEFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the Spanish side have been unstoppable:
they won the Nations League, automatically qualified for the UEFA Women’s EURO
2025, and reached the number one global rank.
However, the tournament hosts cannot be underestimated. France will field a
promising team with quality and a good balance between the experienced and the
youth. As head coach, Hervé Renard instils a drive and determination to succeed in
his squad, who are yet to have their hands on a major trophy.
One more team not to be underestimated is Emma Hayes’ USA. With six medals
from the Olympic Games, four of those being gold, the United States rise to the big
occasion. Under new management, there is a strong level of competition and
professionalism in the team. Regardless of previous Olympic form, they will face
tough opponents in the group stage: Australia, Germany and Zambia. But will they
have what it takes to reach the top spot on the podium for a fifth time?
How will the tournament progress?
On the opening day of the Paris Olympics 2024, every nation that qualified for the
women’s football category will start their campaign in the group stages. With three
groups to play for their places in the knockout stages, the level of competition will be
very high.
The groups have been drawn as follows:
Group A: Canada, New Zealand, France and Columbia.
Group B: Germany, Australia, Zambia and the USA.
Group C: Brazil, Nigeria, Spain and Japan.
After the group stages are complete, the top two teams in each group will progress
to the knockout rounds. However, there is also a chance for two third-place nations
to qualify for the semi-finals, if they are the highest point scorers without a top half
finish. As the first rounds operate on a standard points system, it will be all to play
for.
Therefore, women’s football will certainly be a category to watch this summer in the
Paris Olympics. Will the gold medals be retained by Canada, added to the USA’s
collection of silverware, or earned by a promising country that has yet to win the
Olympic Games?
By Charlotte Davey
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