2024 Summer Olympics: Zambia vs. USWNT soccer odds, picks and predictions

In 2024 Summer Olympics women’s soccer action, Zambia and the United States meet Thursday at 3 p.m. ET (USA Network / Peacock / Universo). The opener for both teams takes place at Allianz Riviera in Nice, France. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines for the Zambia vs. USWNT, and make our expert Summer Olympic picks and predictions.

Zambia and United States are in Group B with Australia and Germany, which play earlier in the day at 1 p.m. ET (Peacock / Universo).

The Copper Queens from Zambia are 64th in the FIFA rankings. It defeated Cameroon in the final round of the African qualifiers to punch its ticket to Paris. Zambia is appearing in the Summer Olympics for the 2nd time, also appearing in Tokyo where it finished 9th.

The USWNT posted a scoreless draw in a friendly against Costa Rica in Washington D.C. July 16. The Americans have posted 4 consecutive clean sheets in 4 international friendlies leading up to the Olympics. The last time USA allowed a team to score was 5 matches ago in a 2-2 win on penalties against Canada in the SheBelieves Cup in April.

The USWNT has won 5 golds in the Olympics, but it hasn’t won it all since the 2012 London games.

• Men’s soccer: Gold medals picks and predictions

Zambia vs. USWNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:37 a.m. ET.

• 3-way moneyline (ML): Zambia +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000) | USWNT -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100) | Draw +1300
• : Zambia +2.5 (+130) | USWNT -2.5 (-160)
• Over/Under (O/U): 3.5 (O: -136 | U: +108)

Zambia vs. USWNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USWNT 4, Zambia 1

You can’t play the United States (-3000) straight up on the 3-way moneyline, risking 30 times your potential return. While it’s a near certainty that the Stars and Stripes hammer Zambia (+5000), there is no value playing the giant favorite.

PASS.

USWNT -2.5 (-160) is a strong play laying the points.

Zambia +2.5 (+130) took it on the chin in the Olympic opener in the Tokyo games, falling 10-3 against the Netherlands. While the Copper Queens should be much improved, facing a world power on the pitch in the opening match in Paris is a tall order.

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OVER 3.5 (-136) is a strong play, and the Americans could take care of the Over all on its own.

While the USWNT has scored 8 goals in the past 4 matches, it has faced some higher quality competition in the friendlies. It should roll up the offense against an overmatched Zambian side.

: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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More USA TODAY Summer Olympics coverage:

News | Medal count | Meet Team USA