The U.S. women’s soccer team is making its return to Olympic play with it first match of the 2024 Summer Games on Thursday.
The USWNT will play against Zambia in head coach Emma Hayes’ first major tournament match since she officially began her role in May, and all eyes will be on her starting XI to open this year’s Olympics. Beginning group play on the right foot could be pivotal to success as the squad is looking for its first Olympic gold since 2012. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. team won bronze.
Here is the starting XI for the USWNT in their first match in Group B:
USWNT starting XI vs. Zambia
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
Defender: Emily Fox
Defender: Naomi Girma
Defender: Tierna Davidson
Midfielder: Lindsey Horan (captain)
Midfielder: Rose Lavelle
Midfielder: Sam Coffey
Forward: Sophia Smith
Forward: Trinity Rodman
Forward: Crystal Dunn
Forward: Mallory Swanson
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Available substitutes: Korbin Albert, Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Casey Murphey, Croix Bethune.
Where is Jaedyn Shaw?
Forward Jaedyn Shaw is unavailable because of a leg injury. She was replaced on the 18-player roster for the match by alternate Croix Bethune, according to a statement released by U.S. Soccer.
USWNT 2024 Paris Olympic schedule
Thursday will be the first of three matches the USWNT will play in group play. The national team will have to be one of the top two teams in Group B or be one of the two-best third place teams to reach the quarterfinals. Here is the rest of the USWNT group play schedule:
Sunday, July 28: USA vs. Germany (3 p.m. ET)
Wednesday, July 31: USA vs. Australia (1 p.m. ET)
