Football is one of the most anticipated sports in the Paris 2024 Olympics. On July 24, the Olympic football tournament will kick off, and fans around the world have already set their eyes. Nations will be competing fiercely to be awarded the highly coveted gold medal. Last March 20, 2024, the draw for the Men’s Olympic Football tournament took place. Take a look at the qualified nations:
- Group A: France, USA, Guinea, New ZealandÂ
- Group B: Argentina, Morocco, Iraq, UkraineÂ
- Group C: Uzbekistan, Spain, Egypt, Dominican RepublicÂ
- Group D: Japan, Paraguay, Mali, IsraelÂ
Certain nations are anticipated in the Olympic football competition due to their dominance and star players. However, there are also surprise teams that will make the stage more exciting to watch. Discover the unexpected teams that will shake up the Paris 2024 football stage this July and August, which you can also bet on through Olympics betting sites online.
United States
The United States’ last appearance in the Olympic football competition was in 2008, when they were eliminated in the group stage. This makes the US team a surprising qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite having some of the best football players in the world, the US team has yet to prove itself on the Olympic stage.
Paris 2024 presents a big chance for the US to show what they can do. Some of the players expected to lead the way for the US team include captain Tanner Tessmann, promising young midfielder Paxten Aaronson and forward Taylor Booth. These players will be crucial if the US hopes to make a deep run in the tournament after their disappointing exit in 2008.
Guinea
When you think of baby teams in the Olympic football world, Guinea is a prime example. They are the only nation that qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics through the AFC-CAF playoff, making this their second appearance on the Olympic stage. Their first Olympic appearance was way back in Mexico 1968, when they were eliminated in the group stage.
Headed by manager Morlaye Cisse, the Guinea team is expected to try and make a name for themselves on the world stage in Paris 2024. Some of their key players to watch out for include midfielder Ilaix Moriba and Aguibou Camara. Despite their underdog status, Guinea will be aiming to surprise and advance further than their previous Olympics performances.
Iraq
Iraq has been a more recent presence on the Olympic stage than some of the other surprise qualifiers. Their last appearance was in the 2016 group stage, which capped a downward course that led many to doubt their chances for Paris 2024. However, the Iraqi team has defied the odds to book their spot in the 2024 Olympics through the 2045 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Out of their five Olympic appearances, Iraq’s best result came at the Athens 2004 Games, where they finished in 4th place. This history suggests the Iraqi team has the potential to pull off upsets and make a deeper run in the Paris 2024, despite not being among the pre-tournament favourites. So, keep an eye on Iraq as they may present a promising Paris Olympics betting opportunity.
Dominican Republic
The Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the debut appearance of the Dominican Republic’s national football team. They qualified for the Olympics through their performance at the 2022 CONCACAF U20 Championship.
As first-time Olympians, the Dominican Republic was not widely predicted to make the cut for Paris 2024. However, their run to the final of the 2022 CONCACAF U20 tournament provides a glimpse of their potential to make an impact on the Olympic stage.
Some of the key players to watch for the Dominican Republic include midfielder Oscar Urena, defender Edgar Pujol, and forward Jose De Leon. The team will be led by coach Ibai Gomez as they look to make a statement in their first-ever Olympic football competition.
Mali
Mali’s last and only previous appearance in the Olympic football tournament came way back before 2004 when they reached the quarter finals. Now, after over 20 years, Mali has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics through their performance at the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations. This gives them the chance to prove their prowess on the Olympic stage once again.
The Malian team is expected to be filled with skilled players, including midfielder Ibrahima Camara, goalkeeper Lassine Diarra, and defender Yoro Diaby. After their long absence from the Olympics, Mali has set its sights on making an impact in Paris 2024 and building on their previous quarter final finish from decades ago.
Try betting on Paris 2024 football underdogs today
The Paris 2024 Olympic football tournament is set to showcase a diverse array of teams, each with their motivations and aspirations to compete for the gold medal. This makes it an exciting stage not just for football fans to watch, but also for sports bettors looking to make the most of the intense action.
So, be sure to find the best Olympics betting sites now and start placing your wagers on the underdogs and surprises that may emerge during this tournament.
