The favorites to win gold in women's soccer at the 2024 Paris Olympics just happen to be competing in their first Olympics.
Unlike men's soccer in the Olympics, women's soccer features the best players and competition in the world. From the four-time gold medalist USWNT to the recent winners, Canada, the tournament guarantees exciting clashes from the group stage to the final. And, for the first time, Spain, the reigning champions of the Women's World Cup, qualified for the Olympic Games.
Here is a breakdown of the five favorites to leave the French capital with a gold medal in women's soccer.
5. Brazil
Since Arthur Elias became Brazil's head coach, the team has taken a turn for the worse in its exit from the group stage of the 2023 Women's World Cup. Brazil's impressive second-place finish at the 2024 Women's Gold Cup heralded their return to the world stage, and now, they have a chance to prove it in Paris.
Led by Marta, the star of the Selecao, Brazil will be looking for a gold medal for the first time in the Olympics. They will have an uphill battle, however, as they will face teams with some of the best players in the world, such as Spain and the USWNT.
4. In Canada
Canada took home its first gold medal in women's soccer at the Tokyo Olympics, but was eliminated from the 2023 Women's World Cup in the group stage. Bev Priestman's team have bounced back from their disappointing performances last summer, however, and are coming to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in good form.
In fact, Canada's only loss in 2024 came to the USWNT, including one in the SheBelieves Cup final back in April. On paper, the Canadians may not have enough firepower to get past the top three teams in the competition, but as they proved three years ago, anything is possible at the Olympics.
3. France
France easily has one of the best squads at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Led by captain Wendie Renard at the back and Eugenie Le Sommer and Marie-Antoinette Katoto up top, the host nation has plenty of experience, talent, and goalscorers to take them far in the Olympics.
Home crowds will also give Herve Renard's squad a boost, especially in the knockout rounds, but their recent inability to get past Spain in the Women's Nations League makes gold in France difficult to imagine.
2. USA
The USWNT is the most successful women's soccer side in the Olympics. The USA is currently undefeated under new manager Emma Hayes and has yet to concede a goal. They also have talent all over the field, including Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Rose Lavelle, and Sophia Smith, which will push them far this summer.
On paper, the USWNT looks almost impossible, yet they have struggled up front. In their final two warm-up games before heading to Paris, the USA scored just one goal in 180 minutes, missing a number of good chances.
If they are to win gold, Emma Hayes' squad will have to sort out their problems in front of goal.
1. In Spain
If Spain plays the way they can play, it's hard to see another team winning the World Cup. Two of the best women's soccer players in the world (and their Barcelona teammates), Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas are both fit and ready to lead La Roja in their first Olympic appearance.
Spain will also win the Women's Nations League in February, where they comfortably defeated the Netherlands in the semi-finals and France in the final, conceding zero goals in both games.
On their current run of form, no one will be able to best them in Paris this summer.
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