USWNT Opens 2024 Paris Olympics With Matchup Against Zambia

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team will kickoff its Group B 2024 Paris Olympics schedule with a pre-opening ceremony matchup against Zambia on Thursday (July 25) broadcasting live on NBC Olympics Radio Plus .

The USWNT is currently fifth in the FIFA's rankings -- the lowest for an American team since its inception in 2003 -- and is coming off a disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup, having entered as back-to-back defending champions and finishing out of the top 3 for the first time in history.

"I think one of the biggest problems is that too often is that we talk about what we're going to do in Paris or what happens when we get to the semis and finals -- I think it's disrespectful to the rest of the world to talk like that," Hayes said ahead of Thursday's matchup via ESPN . "I think the game has moved to a point where that isn't the case. It isn't a shoo-in to get somewhere. It has to be earned and there's no given right [to anything] ... There's top footballing nations in this tournament. I don't think shocks in the women's game exist anymore. I think we have to reframe our focus a little bit and have respect for the rest of the world."

The Americans will be captained by Lindsey Horan , who has been part of the USWNT since 2013, and feature a younger roster with rising stars such as Trinity Rodman -- the daughter of Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman -- and Naomi Girma , as well as returning veterans Rose Lavelle , Mallory Swanson and Crystal Dunn .

Thursday's matchup will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET and broadcast live on NBC Olympics Radio Plus .

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