One could make the argument that women’s football at the Olympics is more compelling than men’s football. Unlike the men, who have an under-23 tournament, women’s football teams bring their strongest roster to the Olympics. Also, with 12 teams rather than 16, the women’s tournament is a lot more competitive from start to finish. For the most part, all 12 teams have a chance to win a medal this summer. But let’s focus on the teams that have the best chance of winning gold in women’s football in Paris.
United States
Despite losing in the Round of 16 at the World Cup last summer and having a new manager who has only been in charge for a few games, the U.S. is still considered the favorites by most sportsbooks and prognosticators. In addition to a new manager, the Americans are bringing a younger roster to the Olympics than we saw at the World Cup. The U.S. attack remains somewhat unproven after some recent friendlies despite a wealth of talent. On the bright side, the U.S. has kept four straight clean sheets behind Alyssa Naeher, who remains one of the most trusted goalies in the world.
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Spain
As the reigning World Cup champs, Spain is surely among the favorites at the Olympics.
The squad is just overflowing with talent, even with rosters limited to 18 players. However, winning the World Cup and Olympic gold in back-to-back years has never been accomplished in women’s football, so La Roja is fighting history. Also, a recent loss to the Czech Republic is evidence that as talented as they are, Spain isn’t invincible.
France
Much will be expected of France as the host nation. For the old guard of players like Wendie Renard, Eugenie Le Sommer, and Amandine Henry, this could be the last chance to win a major tournament. Les Bleues has been perpetually disappointing over the last decade or more, even as hosts of the 2019 World Cup. Nevertheless, the talent and experience in the squad are more than enough to make a serious run at the gold medal.
Japan
The Japanese won a silver medal in 2012 but never gold in women’s football. They are certainly a dark horse this year despite being placed in the Group of Death with Spain, Brazil, and Nigeria. There is a good mix of young players and established veterans on the roster. However, Japan’s lack of games against quality competition heading into the Olympics could leave them unprepared for such an unforgiving tournament.
Australia
Confidence is surely high in Australia after the Matildas made it to the World Cup semifinals last summer. But how much did playing at home carry them in that tournament? The Aussies won’t have that luxury at the Olympics, nor will they have superstar Sam Kerr, who is injured. To be fair, Hayley Raso, Caitlin Foord, and others ensure there is plenty of talent in the squad. But without a difference-maker like Kerr, the road to a gold medal is that much more difficult.
Germany
The last time the Germans were at the Olympics, they won gold in 2016. But that feels like a lifetime ago after failing to qualify for the
Tokyo games and getting bounced in the Group Stage at the World Cup last summer. Of course, German football never seems to stay down for long. After winning six of their last matches heading into the Olympics – albeit against largely mediocre competition – the Germans are ready to prove last year’s failure was an aberration.
Brazil
The Brazilians are another team looking for redemption after a Group Stage exit last summer. They also haven’t won an Olympic medal since 2008 – and have never won gold. The Brazil federation has one eye toward the 2027 World Cup, which the South Americans are hosting. That has left some to question whether this is Brazil’s strongest squad and if the team is set up to challenge for a medal.
Canada
We can’t forget about Canada, the reigning gold medal winners. The depth on Canada’s squad may not match some other teams, but the star power is still there with Janine Beckie, Jordyn Huitema, Kadeisha Buchanan, and others. With a somewhat manageable group, the Canadians appear to have a clear path to reach the semifinals and win another Olympic medal.
Zambia
While technically one of the underdogs, don’t sleep on Zambia. Barbra Banda is currently the leading scorer in the NWSL and a dynamic attacking player who could carry the Zambian team on her back. Zambia played at the last Olympics and the last World Cup, and despite being knocked out in the Group Stage of both, they could be ready to take a big step forward on the world stage.