The Summer Olympics begin at the end of the month, and soccer is on the schedule as a part of the Games in Paris. Only players 23 or younger are allowed to compete in the men’s soccer event, with 3 exceptions allowed per squad. The United States have hope they can make some noise with a promising young array of talent this year. Read on to access expert men’s Olympic soccer breakdowns and explore tips and stats for Olympics betting in 2024.
- Men’s Olympic Soccer
- July 24 to August 9, 2024
- Paris, France
- Various locations, with Final at Parc des Princes
- NBC, Peacock
Men’s Olympic Soccer Betting Odds
Three countries are clear frontrunners to earn gold medals in the men’s soccer event of the Olympics this year. France, Argentina and Spain are all at the top with odds ranging from (+250) to (+300), indicating it is up for grabs between those three. A significant drop-off follows those giants, with a tier of Morocco, Ukraine, Paraguay, United States, and Egypt. Long-shot candidates bring out the rear, with Japan, Mali, Israel, Guinea, Uzbekistan, Iraq, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic all (+3300) or longer.
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about betting on Olympics 2024.
Spain, Israel and Ukraine Represent Europe’s Qualifiers
While France qualified as hosts of the Olympic Games, Spain, Israel and Ukraine had to do it the hard way. Via the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the three countries finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively. The winner of the tournament was England, who should have qualified for the 2024 tournament. But a dispute about the eligibility of the team, which is typically represented as Great Britain (covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) eliminated them from qualification.
Israel has not competed in the men’s soccer event of the Olympic Games since 1976. Ukraine has never done so, marking 2024 as their inaugural entry in the competition. Oddsmakers like their chances of making a deep run in the tournament as well. The Ukrainians are just behind Morocco for 5th in the odds to win the gold medal.
Is the United States a Threat to Earn Gold in 2024?
The 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship served as the gateway to earning qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics Games for soccer teams in North and Central America. The United States easily defeated their rivals, not allowing a single goal in the knockout stage to win the tournament. The Dominican Republic earned the other spot out of CONCACAF as runners-up, but their odds to win the gold medal this summer are longer than any other country at (+25000).
The United States U-20 team is almost entirely different from the U-23 squad that plays in Paris at the end of the month. Therefore, it is difficult to judge if their dominant performance in 2022 holds any merit this summer, especially from a betting perspective. Recent U-23 friendlies, which include a draw against France and wins over Mexico, Japan and Guinea, can offer some insight. But friendlies are notoriously high variance and often cause overreactions from the public.
The United States’ best-ever finish at the Summer Olympic Games for Men’s Soccer was fourth place, a feat they achieved in 2000. They are typically non-factors, but experienced USMNT defenders Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson anchor a backline that could provide significant resistance to young attackers. Gianluca Busio could also headline the midfield, a 22 year-old who currently plays for Venezia in Serie A.
Mali and Guinea, Surprises out of Africa
Africa is tied for the most representatives in this tournament with Europe. Morocco, Egypt and Mali gained qualification for their performances in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing in that order. Guinea, who lost the third-place match, were sent to a AFC-CAF playoff to claim the final spot. They defeated Indonesia 1-0 to enter into their first-ever Olympic Games in the men’s soccer event.
Mali has only earned qualification once before, while Egypt have been regulars throughout the years and Morocco a handful of times as well. Regardless of their outcomes in 2024, African nations should be very excited about their prospects moving forward. Such parity in their conference is a testament to the budding talent emerging from Africa, whose players compete at the top level for many clubs across Europe.
Paraguay Stuns Soccer World, Wins 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament
A specially-designed Pre-Olympic Tournament for South American countries determined who would book their tickets to Paris this summer. Paraguay came out on top in the final stage, which was formatted like a group stage, with the winner earning the most points. Wins over Brazil and Venezuela, along with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Argentina, was enough to crown Paraguay as champions.
Argentina, who finished with 5 points, gained the 2nd qualification spot. Despite not doing enough to beat Paraguay, they are still significantly favored to win the gold medal over their fellow continental rivals. Perhaps this is mostly a case of name value for Argentina, whose senior squad just won the World Cup in 2022. If you believe Paraguay are being undervalued, you can get them at appealing 20:1 odds to win the gold medal in Paris.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
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