The U.S. Women's National Team can clinch the top spot in Group B in the final matchday of the 2024 Summer Olympics group stage.
Emma Hayes and the U.S. take on Australia at the Stade de Marseille on Wednesday July 31, and Hayes has some big decisions to make. Tierna Davidson and Jaedyn Shaw have both been ruled out with injury, and Hayes has to determine whether she will rest the amazing front three of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman ahead of the quarterfinals. The trio have combined for six goals and three assists through the USA's first two matches.
The U.S. beat Zambia, 3-0, and then dominated Germany, 4-1, to qualify for the knockout stage.
Australia meanwhile needs a draw or win to qualify for the next round past Zambia. The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along with updates, highlights, and commentary as the US women face Australia
What time does USWNT vs. Australia kick off?
This 2024 Olympics group stage match takes place at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille, France and kicks off on Tuesday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the US:
| Date | Kickoff time |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Jul. 31 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Jul. 31 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Jul. 31 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Jul. 31 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Alaska ST | Wed, Jul. 31 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Hawaii ST | Wed, Jul. 31 | 7:00 a.m. |
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USWNT vs. Australia live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this 2024 Olympics match in the U.S.:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | E! | Fubo , NBC Sports app/website, Peacock |
USA: This game is available for live broadcast on E!. Streaming options are available on Fubo , which offers a FREE trial to new subscribers, and Peacock. Fans can also watch the match on the NBC Sports app.
USWNT vs. Australia lineups, team news
The biggest question for the United States in the run-up to this match was the fitness of Tierna Davidson who was withdrawn late in the first half of the win over Germany. The USWNT defender was taken off after suffering a knee contusion, and will miss the game, US Soccer confirmed .
The center-back depth for the USWNT behind Davidson is thin. Emily Sonnett is the replacement alongside Naomi Girma , while uncapped alternate Emily Sams is the only other natural center-back on the roster.
Jaedyn Shaw will also remain out, having missed all group matches due to a leg injury suffered in training. Cat Macario is not with the team in France after withdrawing from the squad before the tournament due to a flare-up of her knee issues.
MORE: USWNT player grades vs. Zambia
USA starting lineup (4-3-3): Naeher (GK) — Fox, Girma, Sonnett, Dunn — Lavelle, Coffey, Horan — Rodman, S. Smith, Swanson.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has no known new injuries to worry about as of now but remains without superstar Sam Kerr who is sidelined long-term with an ACL tear.
Matildas winger Cortnee Vine started the first match against Germany and played an hour but was benched for the shootout against Zambia. Against the United States, Gustavsson has also sent forward Emily van Egmond to the bench in favor of an extra defender in Kaitlyn Torpey to try and shore up the defensive issues.
Australia starting lineup (5-4-1): Arnold (GK) — Carpenter, Kennedy, Hunt, Catley, Torpey — Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord — Fowler.
USWNT vs. Australia prediction
The U.S. has already qualified for the knockout round but will be looking to finish in the top spot to ensure an easier quarterfinal round opponent. Expect Emma Hayes to play her three stars up top — Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman — even if they all come off at halftime if the U.S. has a comfortable lead. Australia continues to miss the talent of Sam Kerr.
Prediction: USWNT 3-1 Australia
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