Canada's Olympic gold medal defense begins in central France against a common World Cup foe.
The Canucks match up with New Zealand in their Group A opener on Thursday, July 25 in St. Etienne, France. Canada comes in with positive momentum, having beaten Nigeria and Australia in a pair of friendly matches ahead of the Olympics.
However, Canada will have to play this game without its head coach, Bev Priestman, as a self-imposed punishment following the discovery of a drone spying on opponents during training.
The Kiwis will be looking to take advantage of this situation with Canada missing their sideline leader. Racing Louisville 18-year-old forward Milly Clegg looks ready to make a big impact in international soccer, and could announce herself on the world stage on Thursday.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
MORE: Football at Olympics 2024: Schedule, matches, bracket, draw for men’s and women’s soccer in summer Paris Games
What time does CanWNT vs. New Zealand kick off?
This 2024 Olympics group stage match between Canada and New Zealand takes place at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, France, and kicks off on Thursday, July 25 at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the US:
| Date | Kickoff time |
| Eastern Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Alaska ST | Thur, Jul. 25 | 7:00 a.m. |
| Hawaii ST | Thur, Jul. 25 | 5:00 a.m. |
USWNT vs. Zambia live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this 2024 Olympics match in the U.S.:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | — | NBC Sports app/website, Peacock |
| Canada | CBC | CBC Sports app |
USA: This game is available for live broadcast on NBC's premium subscription service Peacock as well as their own app and website.
Canada : This match is available to view on national television on CBC. It is also streaming on the CBC Sports app.
CanWNT vs. New Zealand lineups, team news
Two assistant coaches were sent home this week in the wake of the drone spying scandal, and coach Bev Priestman won't be on the sideline for this match, adding huge distractions for the squad. Canada, on paper, comes into the tournament with great momentum, having made the SheBelieves Cup final, and winning a pair of friendlies in Spain earlier this month.
But it remains to be seen if the players can overcome the distractions off the field and win on the field.
Canada predicted XI (3-4-3, right to left): Sheridan (GK) — Gilles, Rose, Buchanan — Lawrence, Fleming, Huitema, Beckie — Leon, Rose, Awujo.
New Zealand lost veteran Ali Riley to injury just before the tournament and will have to replace her both on the field and from a locker room leader perspective. There is still plenty of experience in the squad though, led by Rebekah Stott and Katie Bowen, both with more than 100 caps for the Kiwis on the backline.
New Zealand predicted XI (4-4-2 right to left): Esson (GK) — Bott, Stott, Bowen, Barry — Jale, Steinmetz, Taylor, Kitching — Hand, Clegg.
CanWNT vs. New Zealand prediction
With all the off field distractions, this game seems to have all the hallmarks of one where Canada may come slow out of the gate. New Zealand doesn't have a ton of attacking talent, but it is dangerous on set pieces and could find a goal or two from free kicks or corners.
Prediction: Canada 1-1 New Zealand
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