Irene Paredes and the Spanish national team are one of the biggest threats to the U.S. women’s team should both make it out of grueling group stage matches. | Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
In a 16-nation field, these five teams offer the greatest opportunity to bounce the Americans off the medal stand
Since the addition of women’s soccer to the Olympic Games 28 years ago, it’s just been assumed that when it comes to the medal stand, the United States is a lock to win gold and then [insert nation here] to collect silver and bronze.
But after faltering in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, one can no longer assumed that the U.S. national team is the preeminent No. 1. In fact in the aftermath of a roster change, and a new coach in Emma Hayes, time will tell if this is a U.S. team that will even find itself on the medal stand.
The talent is there to do so, but the rest of the world has caught up or are rounding the corner on being on par with a U.S. team eager to get back to that top spot in FIFA’s women’s world rankings (the U.S. is currently fifth-best).
In fact, within the 16-nation field for the Olympics, three teams Spain (No. 1), France (No. 2) and Germany (No. 3) sit above the U.S. in the rankings — with the Germans in Group B with the Americans alongside Zambia and Australia.
Should they get out of the group stage, there could conceivably be the likes of Japan, Brazil, and Canada — the reigning Olympic champions — waiting in anticipation to knock the Americans out.
Here’s a look at each team and what they bring to the table in a quest for gold.
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Spain will be fueled by the creativity of forward Aitana Bonmati, who is no stranger to winning major tournaments.
Spain
FIFA world ranking: No. 1
Coming off a historic win — and the scandal that followed — in the 2023 FIFA World Cup, Spain is poised to chase Olympic gold and brought much of the same roster that won the world title in New Zealand last year. Keep an eye on Aitana Bonmatí, as the Barcelona forward has a knack for winning big titles. In addition to the World Cup, she guided Spain to a UEFA Nations League title and a Champions League title with Barcelona.
Defensively, there are few players more physically dominant in the women’s game than France’s Wendie Renard.
France
FIFA world ranking: No. 2
Amandine Henry fuels this French offense for a team that continues to nip at the heels of Spain. This will be Henry’s third Olympics getting her start at the Rio Games in 2016. Defensively, Wendie Renard will bolster a backline eager to bring a medal to the host country. Also, look for players like Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto for creativity.
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Canada will be without its stalwart Christine Sinclair who announced her retirement from the international game last year.
Canada
FIFA world ranking: No. 8
The Canadians are one of the hottest nations on the soccer sphere right now. The men’s team just finished an impressive showing at the Copa Ameríca and the women are entering the Summer Games as the defending champions and a bump up to a Top 10 ranking in the world. However, the team will do so without its best player, stalwart Christine Sinclair, who retired from international competition following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Japan
FIFA world ranking: No. 7
The Japanese have long been a thorn in the side of the U.S. women’s team. They play creative soccer, that physical and have goal scorers. However, Japan is in tough Group C with the likes of Spain, Nigeria and Brazil, all teams that could cause problems as they look to emerge from the group.
Photo by Chico Peixoto/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Marta, center, is not just the greatest player in Brazil women’s soccer history but one of the greatest to play the sport, man or woman.
Brazil
FIFA world ranking: No. 9
If there was ever a time to be worried about Brazil, it’s at these Summer Games. The nation will be playing for its greatest-ever women’s player Marta, who announced she planned to step down from international competition following the Olympics. Marta, who will compete in her sixth competition, is the all-time leading women’s scorer and has long been an ambassador for the women’s game.
