Football was first introduced as an Olympic sport at the Summer Olympic Games in France in 1900, initially featuring only three club teams from different nations as an exhibition sport. It was again played at the 1904 Games. National teams made their debut in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
India did not send a football team to the Olympics until the 1948 Games and participated in the subsequent three Games. The Indian team’s last appearance was at the 1960 Games, with their best performance occurring at the 1956 Summer Olympics, where they reached the semi-finals. Since the 1992 Summer Olympics, the rules have stipulated that only Under-23 national teams can compete. India’s U-23 team has yet to qualify for the Olympic football competition. Hence, there will be no Indian Football Team at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Olympics Football Schedule: Men’s
Olympics Football Schedule: WoMen’s
Tournament Format
In the women’s tournament, 12 teams will compete, divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. It’s similar to the men’s Euro 2024 but with half the number of teams.
The same tiebreak criteria used in the men’s tournament will apply.
- The quarter-final matchups are as follows:
- Winner of Group A vs 3rd place in Group B/C
- Winner of Group C vs 3rd place in Group A/B
- Winner of Group B vs Runner-up of Group C
- Runner-up of Group A vs Runner-up of Group B
The winners of the first two quarter-finals will face each other in the semi-finals, as will the winners of the last two quarter-finals.
The group stage starts on Thursday, July 25th, with the final scheduled for Saturday, August 10th. Additionally, a bronze medal match between the losing semi-finalists will take place the day before the final.
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Venues
PARC DES PRINCES (PARIS)
The national stadium, the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, is home to Paris Saint-Germain and serves as the venue for both finals.
During the Olympics, athletics are held at this stadium. This will mark the first time since France hosted the Euros in 1960 that an international football final has taken place at the Parc des Prince during the Olympics.
STADE DE BORDEAUX (BORDEAUX)
Constructed for the 2016 Summer Olympics, it is the sole football stadium in the southwest and the home of Girondins de Bordeaux.
In the women’s competition, the matchup between Brazil and Spain in the last set of group games is tantalizing, while the men’s matches between Spain and Egypt and Japan and Paraguay might be intriguing. Bordeaux will not host any men’s or women’s competitions past the quarterfinals or beyond the group stage.
STADE DE LYON (LYON)
The Parc Olympique Lyonnais, also known as the Groupama Stadium, was built for Euro 2016 and is the home ground of Olympique Lyonnais. It hosted both the semi-finals and the final of the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
For the upcoming tournament, France Women will play two of their group stage matches here, against Colombia and New Zealand, with hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals if they top their group. The stadium will host three quarter-finals, including two women’s matches on the same day, as well as both a men’s and women’s semi-final, and the women’s bronze medal match.
STADE DE MARSEILLE (MARSEILLE)
Stade Vélodrome, the largest stadium for Olympic football this year, will host women’s international football for the first time.
It features top group stage matches, including Germany, Australia, and the USA facing each other. For the men, it will host France vs. USA, New Zealand vs. USA, and New Zealand vs. France. Marseille will also host one quarter-final and semi-final for each tournament.
STADE DE NICE (NICE)
Slightly larger than any of the seven Olympic football fields this summer, the Allianz Riviera was opened three years before Euro 2016.
As such, their lineup stands in stark contrast to Marseille’s all-star group. However, they will host France’s men versus Guinea, and the women’s matchup between Colombia and Canada may be intriguing. No knockout games will be held in Nice.
STADE DE LA BEAUJOIRE (NANTES)
This is the smallest venue used at the Olympics. The standout women’s match is Spain vs. Japan, while the men’s fixtures are less notable.
Nantes will host only one game outside the group stage: the men’s bronze medal match.
STADE GEOFFROY-GUICHARD (SAINT-ETIENNE)
An ancient and revered venue, best remembered by England supporters for the France 98 match that featured the goal by Michael Owen, David Beckham’s red card, the agony of the penalty shootout, and everything else.
On the women’s side, Canada vs. New Zealand and France vs. Canada seem entertaining, while Argentina vs. Morocco screams “shock result.” Here, no knockout matches will be held.
Players to Watch out for
Julian Alvarez – Argentina
Julian Alvarez, the 22-year-old forward from Manchester City, is set to be a key player for Argentina in the men’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He is one of four World Cup winners included in the squad, alongside Geronimo Rulli, Nicolas Otamendi, and Thiago Almada. Alvarez’s recent performances have made him a standout player, having contributed significantly to Manchester City’s success in the previous season.
Alexandre Lacazette – France
Alexandre Lacazette will represent France as the captain in the men’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Lacazette is optimistic about leading his team to victory, aiming to secure a second gold medal for France in Olympic football history.
Lacazette’s experience, having played at the highest levels including stints at Arsenal and Lyon, positions him as a crucial player for the team. His leadership and skill on the field are expected to play a significant role in France’s quest for Olympic success.
Achraf Hakimi – Morocco
Achraf Hakimi will represent Morocco in the men’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, serving as one of the overage players allowed in the squad.
Hakimi is a key figure in Morocco’s national team, having played a crucial role in their historic journey to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His experience and skills as a right-back make him a standout player, and he is expected to lead the Moroccan team, which also includes younger talents.
Naby Keita – Guinea
Naby Keita will captain the Guinea national football team in the men’s tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks Guinea’s second appearance in the Olympics, and Keita is expected to play a pivotal role due to his experience and leadership skills.
Currently playing as a midfielder for SV Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, Keita has previously had successful stints with clubs like Liverpool and RB Leipzig. His international career includes over 50 caps for Guinea, and he has participated in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Fermin Lopez – Spain
Fermín Lopez, the 21-year-old Barcelona midfielder, has been included in Spain’s squad for the men’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After helping Spain win the Euro 2024 title, Lopez is now aiming to complete a historic double by securing the Olympic gold medal as well.
Lopez’s inclusion in the Olympic squad comes after an impressive debut season with Barcelona’s first team. He is expected to play a key role for Spain in Paris, alongside his Barcelona teammates Pau Cubarsi and Eric García
Past Olympic Football Champions (Men’s)
Past Olympic Football Champions (Women’s)
Impact of Olympic Football on Careers
The prolific Cameroonian striker, who has played for numerous top European clubs, won Olympic gold in 2000. Despite a lackluster tournament, the former FC Barcelona forward saved his best performance for the finals. He scored the second equalizer around the hour mark, pushing the match into extra time. After 120 minutes, the teams remained deadlocked, leading to a penalty shootout. Eto’o took and converted the second shot from 12 yards.
Lionel Messi
One of the greatest football players in history—won the gold medal in the Olympics in 2008. FIFA awarded the Barcelona talisman the tournament’s best player after he scored two goals.
Sergio Aguero
Aguero gave it his all in the semifinal matchup between Argentina and Brazil, helping his country win 3-0 with a brace of goals. They defeated Nigeria 1-0 at Beijing’s National Stadium in the championship match.
Neymar Jr
The Brazilian superstar showcased exceptional form during the 2016 Olympics held in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro. He netted four goals throughout the tournament, leading Brazil to its first Olympic gold in men’s football. Neymar scored twice against Honduras in the semi-finals and added another goal in the final against Germany.
Richarlison
Olympic rookie Richarlison had a major role in Brazil’s victory at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games (held in 2021), as the country won its second consecutive gold medal. The current Tottenham Hotspur forward defeated Germany in the group stage of the Olympics, scoring a hat trick. With five goals, Richarlison lead all scorers during the Olympics in Tokyo.
