Format, favourites and key players: guide to women’s Olympic football | Women’s football

On Thursday, 12 nations will begin their bid for gold at the Paris Olympics. The eighth edition of the women’s football tournament is expected to be one of the most competitive to date.

The format

Will Canada be able to rediscover the dogged resilience that led to them claiming their first major title in Tokyo? Can Spain continue their domination to win their third tournament in the space of 12 months? How will a changed USA fare under Emma Hayes? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered over a demanding schedule that will see teams play a game every three days. Those who reach the gold and bronze medal matches will play six games in 17 days with an 18-player squad, two of which are goalkeepers.

The topic of loading has raised buried conversations about the future of football at the Olympics. Unlike their male counterparts, there are no age restrictions for female players, meaning all nations are fielding full-strength senior sides. Many players will be featuring in their third, if not fourth, major tournament in as many summers and there is, understandably, plenty of anxiety around player welfare.

Those discussions will surely be continued down the line. For now, Olympics football remains one of the most respected tournaments in the women’s game. As the buildup continues, all involved will be dreaming of reaching the final in Paris on 10 August and having that gold medal put around their necks.

The favourites

Spain are well placed to win gold in their first Olympic appearance. The bulk of Montse Tomé’s squad contain those who lifted the World Cup a little under a year ago. Since that famous win – not to mention the fallout that followed – La Roja have gone from strength-to-strength. With a relatively stable group, they won the inaugural Nations League, secured automatic qualification for next year’s European Championships and have risen to No 1 in the world.

As hosts and consistently one of the best sides in Europe, France have the quality to challenge. Hervé Renard’s team is unquestionably talented but their resilience can be found wanting. The French have underachieved in relation to the calibre of player they possess and a major trophy continues to elude them. Hosting the 2019 World Cup did little to galvanise the country but lessons will hopefully have been learned. France’s form has been a little inconsistent and they suffered a shock defeat to the Republic of Ireland in their last outing.

The USA will also be strong contenders. The four-times gold medallists have an illustrious Olympic history, although they have fallen short in the last two editions. There is a feeling of a new dawn around the side since being dumped out of the last World Cup at the last-16 stage. With that, however, comes the unknown. Hayes took the helm around eight weeks ago and her decision to leave Alex Morgan at home was a brave one. There is a youthful look to the team heading to France, with the likes of Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman involved.

The outsiders

Japan caught the eye in Australia last summer, particularly with their 4-0 victory over Spain. The two teams will face each other in Group C, a mouth-watering rematch on the opening day of the Games. Futoshi Ikeda’s squad has potential but it remains to be seen just how good they really are. Hinata Miyazawa is fit and looking to impress once more, while it might prove a breakout few weeks for Chelsea youngster Maika Hamano.

A year ago, the Matildas captured the hearts of Australia with their run at the World Cup and they will always be considered a force. The continued absence of Sam Kerr to an ACL injury, however, has raised doubts about their Olympic prospects, while other experienced members, such as Katrina Gorry and Caitlin Foord, have had their own fitness issues.

Canada may be the holders but much has changed. The team have gone through a lot and consistency is something they will need if they are to succeed. Colombia, Zambia and Nigeria all impressed in moments on the world stage last year and have tools to cause problems. Zambia’s Barbra Banda, for example, has hit strong from in the National Women’s Soccer League after setting this tournament alight in 2021. Brazil are also a strong outfit but inconsistent form means there are questions around their prospects in France.

Players to watch

It is perhaps a little predictable to name Aitana Bonmatí as the player to watch at this tournament but the Spanish midfielder remains at the very height of her powers. Colombia’s Linda Caicedo is still only 19 and will play a key role for her nation, while Zambia’s Banda will no doubt be a headache for many defences.

International football will say farewell to Brazil’s Marta after the Olympics. The 38-year-old’s game time will most likely be limited in Paris, but she will bow out as one of the best to have ever played the game.

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