Women's football action at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 takes place from 25 July to 10 August.
The competition features 12 of the best nations in the international game, some of the world's best female players in action, and thousands of fans due to support the teams in historic stadia all across mainland France.
Olympic women's squads can consist of players of any age, which is different to the men's football competition that has an under-23 limit with the exception of three 'overage' stars.
Coaches for the women's event have selected a roster of 18 players, with four alternative options available in the event of an injury or illness.
Here are the key things to know about women's football at Paris 2024, the big names involved, and how to watch the action.
- Full Paris 2024 football schedule
- Paris 2024 day-by-day highlights: When to catch the top moments
Women's football at Paris 2024 – all groups
The teams are separated into three groups of four, with the top two progressing automatically to the knockout stages. The two best-ranked third-place sides will also reach the quarter-finals.
Defending Olympic champions Canada were drawn in Group A alongside hosts France, while reigning FIFA Women's World Cup winners Spain make their tournament debut in Group C.
- Group A: France, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand
- Group B: United States, Zambia, Germany, Australia
- Group C: Spain, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil
Football stars to watch at Paris 2024 Olympic women's tournament
Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Canada will be without long-serving captain Christine Sinclair in Paris, after she announced her international retirement following the 2023 World Cup. The 26-year-old Jessie Fleming will wear the armband this time around, as they look to defend their title and bounce back from a group-stage exit in Australia & New Zealand last year.
Hosts France will be led by defensive stalwart Wendie Renard, and their star-studded team includes the likes of Amandine Henry, Grace Geyoro, Kadidiatou Diani, and Marie-Antoinette Katoto.
Paris will be Marta's farewell from the Brazil national team, having previously announced that it will be her final major tournament with the Selecao. It will mark an incredible sixth appearance at the Games for the legend of the sport.
Despite not winning gold since London 2012. the United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) will still be among the favourites to top the podium. With new manager Emma Hayes at the helm, it is the start of a fresh era for the Americans, but with some top level talent in their roster. From defender Noami Girma to forwards Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, the quality in depth could prove vital across the competition.
Zambia return to the big stage with some of the most electric forwards in the game. Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji were selected following big-money moves to the NWSL for the 2024 season, the latter becoming the most expensive women's player in the world. Banda, meanwhile, will be looking to make more history after becoming the first player, male or female, to score three goals in back-to-back games in Tokyo.
Arguably the favourite to win gold, on the back of their World Cup success, is Spain, playing at their first-ever Games. Their squad consists of players such as Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, followed by the unsung hero in midfield Patri Guijarro, and one of the best young players in the world Salma Paralluelo.
Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala, Colombia's Linda Caicedo, and Germany's Alexandra Popp are others worth mentioning.
Where are the football games at Paris 2024 being held?
Women's football at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will take place from 25 July to 10 August. Matches will be held in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Nantes.
The gold medal match will be played at the Parc des Princes in Paris on 10 August.
Full women's football schedule at Paris 2024
World champions Spain will take on Japan in their curtain-raiser, simultaneously with Canada and New Zealand who kick off their campaigns at the same time.
Click here for the detailed schedule.
How to watch football live at Paris 2024
All the action from Paris 2024 can be watched via media rights holders (MRHs).
MRHs include France Télévisions in France, NBC in the United States, SKY NZ in New Zealand, Discovery Eurosport across Europe, Fuji TV/NHK/Nippon TV/TBS/TV Asahi/TV Tokyo in Japan, ARD/ZDF in Germany, the BBC in the United Kingdom, SuperSport in South Africa and Nine in Australia.
Check listings in other regions for your local broadcaster.
