The women’s Olympic soccer tournament is anticipated to get underway this week, and it could be a doozy. Spain, United States and France are all likely to earn medals, but there is greater parity across the women’s international scene than in editions’ past. Germany, Brazil and Japan all present significant challenges to the top squads. Continue reading for an expert women’s Olympic soccer breakdown and explore stats and tips for Olympics betting.
- Women’s Olympic Soccer
- July 25 to August 10, 2024
- Paris, France
- Various venues, with Final at Parc des Princes
- NBC, Peacock
Women’s Olympic Soccer Betting Odds
The United States and Spain are the two big favorites to win the gold medal this year. Spain won the World Cup most recently, and enter this tournament at full strength. Both teams can be bought at (+225). France is the consensus 3rd-place team at around (+500). After that, there is a decent drop-off. Germany, Brazil, Japan, Australia and Canada all follow suit.
Want to better understand the futures market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about betting on Paris Olympics.
Emma Hayes to Test Her Competitive Record with USWNT
Emma Hayes will make her competitive debut as manager of the United States’ women’s national team at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She embarks on a challenging journey to restore the Stars and Stripes to their former glory, who suffered under the tutelage of former Reign FC manager Vlatko Andonovski. Her scithing criticism of the squad as commentator of the World Cup garnered the attention of many women’s soccer fans, mostly who agreed with her.
That is because nothing but gold is expected from USWNT at every Olympics. They have won four gold medals out of the possible 7, dating back to women’s soccer’s inaugural entry in the Olympics in 1996 at Atlanta. Now placed in what could be considered the Group of Death with Germany, Australia and Zambia, they have their work cut out for them. Any combination of finishes in this group is possible, as Zambia and Australia play with chaotic styles.
Spain to Prove They are Still the Best in the World?
Never having won a piece of silverware before, Spain earned the respect of women’s soccer fans worldwide by claiming the World Cup in 2023. Their tremendous success was somewhat marred by off-the-field issues, however. Their president was embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal after kissing star forward Jennifer Hermoso during the ceremony. Spanish prosecutors are now seeking over 2 years of jail time for the offense as Hermoso pledges the kiss was not “mutual.”
Having since resigned, the team and president have both tried to move on from the incident. Only a 2-1 away defeat to Czechia has interrupted an 8-game unbeaten streak, including a Nations League title in the meantime. It feels like a golden era for Spain after their men’s side won the Euros, so expect a highly confident Spain team to show out in Paris. Their group includes Japan and Brazil, however, so they will be tested early.
Canada Dark Horses to Repeat Gold Medal Triumph?
Last Summer Olympics we witnessed Canada win their first-ever gold medal with a penalty kicks shootout win over Sweden. At first glance, (+2200) to repeat this accomplishment feels like a discount. But they will be missing the now-retired Christine Sinclair, who is the all-time leading international women’s soccer scorer at 190 career goals. And reports came in just a few days ago that key defender Sydney Collins will miss the Olympics with a fractured leg.
Yet the majority of the squad that triumphed in 2021 is set to return, and pundits are bullish on their chances of at least advancing out of the group. A veteran core will provide experience and fortitude necessary in major tournaments. Canada are unbeaten in their last 13 appearances (excluding penalty kicks), dating back to October of last year. If you believe they can shock the world again, odds of 22:1 should be enticing enough to produce a wager I reckon.
Hosts France Underlooked at Olympic Games?
France will try to become the 2nd team to win as hosts in the women’s Olympic soccer competition since the U.S. did so in 1996. They have been eliminated in the quarterfinals on three straight appearances, last time being the victim of a penalty shootout to Australia. A run to the Nations League final precedes this tournament, giving the French faith they belong at the apex of women’s soccer.
They are ranked #2 in the FIFA rankings, justifying that belief. But a painful loss to Spain showed their inconsistency, making it difficult to trust this team. While the advantages are clear on paper, major tournament success typically requires experience at the advanced stages of the bracket format, something France is severely lacking. France did not even qualify for the tournament in 2021.
France has also been drawn into a group with Colombia and Canada, who will present stubborn obstacles to advancing to the knockout stage. Manager Herve Renard announced this will be his last tournament in charge, giving a motivational boost for the Blues to make the most out of this summer. Never before has France women’s soccer been this high in the rankings, and a home appearance in the Olympics is the perfect way to capitalize on their peak.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
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