Emma Hayes is set to begin her tenure as the USA national women’s team coach with a challenging start at the Paris Olympics, where the team has been drawn into Group B. This group features formidable opponents including Germany, Australia, and potentially Morocco or Zambia. Hayes, taking charge after the end of the season, will lead the four-time Olympic gold medallists in their first match on July 25 in Nice. Subsequent fixtures include games against Germany and Australia, highlighting the stiff competition awaiting the team.

In acknowledgment of the tournament’s competitive nature, Twila Kilgore, who has been acting as the caretaker coach, and Australia’s coach Tony Gustavsson have both highlighted the strength of the Olympic field. The inclusion of top teams like the USA and Germany, along with highly ranked Australia, underlines the quality of football expected in this year’s Olympics.

Australia’s women’s team, the Matildas, ranked among the world’s top teams, face a similarly tough challenge in their pursuit of an inaugural Olympic medal. Drawn alongside the USA and Germany, the Matildas’ vice-captain Emily van Egmond emphasized the team’s readiness to tackle the high-level competition the Olympics is known for. The Matildas have scheduled games leading up to the Olympics, including a friendly against Mexico and home matches against China in May and June, as part of their preparation.

The women’s Olympic football tournament is set to kick off on July 26, with the final match to be held at the Parc des Princes on August 10. The draw has placed hosts France in Group A, with the possibility of facing Canada, while Spain, Japan, Brazil, and another African team will compete in Group C. With the tournament spread across various cities in France, the stage is set for a fiercely competitive and enthralling women’s football showcase.