Which football teams play in the Olympics, when are the games and who are the favorites? Al Jazeera explains.
Men’s football has been a regular presence in all editions of the Olympic Games, except in 1896 and 1932.
As the 2024 Olympics begin in Paris, Al Jazeera tells you everything you need to know about the men’s football event:
A total of 16 countries have qualified for men’s football at Paris 2024.
A group: France, United States, Guinea, New Zealand
Group B: Argentina, Morocco, Ukraine, Iraq
Group C: Uzbekistan, Spain, Egypt, Dominican Republic
Group D: Japan, Paraguay, Mali, Israel
Unlike the women’s football tournament, which is a full senior-level tournament, the men’s Olympic football event is restricted to players under the age of 23, with a maximum of three overage players permitted.
The 16 men’s teams are divided into four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals. The winners of the semifinals face each other in the gold medal match, while the losers compete in the bronze medal match.
Who are the favorites to win gold?
With a mix of emerging talent and some experienced players, hosts France are the leading contenders for the Paris Games. Coached by Thierry Henry, France are looking to secure their second Olympic gold medal, having won for the first time at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
Two-time gold medalists Argentina also have a formidable squad with Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez and Major League Soccer (MLS) midfield sensation Thiago Almada.
Spain are among the favorites, with Euro 2024 players Fermin Lopez and Alex Baena also representing their country at the Olympics.
Which other top players will play in the Olympics?
Other key players at the Paris Olympics include France’s Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette, Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi and Guinean Naby Keita.
What are the main game dates?
- Group stage: July 24th to 30th
- Quarterfinals: August 2
- Semifinals: August 5
- Bronze medal match: August 8
- Gold medal match: August 9
Where will the matches be held?
Men’s football matches will be held in seven stadiums in France.
- Bordeaux Stadium in Bordeaux
- Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne
- La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes
- Lyon Stadium in Decines-Charpieu (near Lyon)
- Marseille Stadium in Marseille
- Nice stadium in Nice
- Park of the Princes in Paris
What happens if a match ends in a draw?
If the match is tied at the end of normal playing time, two extra periods of 15 minutes each will be played. If the tie persists, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
How many players are there in each team?
Participating countries can nominate a squad of 18 players, including a maximum of three overage players. They can also name four reserve players.
Which teams have won the most gold medals?
Hungary and Great Britain have won the most gold medals – three each – in men’s football at the Olympics, while Brazil, Argentina, the former Soviet Union and Uruguay have won twice each.
Brazil has the most medals (seven), including consecutive gold medals in 2020 and 2016. However, the Brazilians will not defend their title at the Paris Games after failing to qualify for the first time since 2004.
Stay up to date:
You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Paris 2024 Olympics tournament page with all the news and features, as well as event build-up and live text commentary on selected football, basketball, tennis and boxing games.
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
