France 3-0 USA: summary, score, goals, highlights | 2024 Olympics soccer
2024 Olympic Games soccer: France - USA as it happened
France 3-0 USA: full-time thoughts
Let’s be completely honest, France have got more talented players than the USA, and “should” have won this game, as they did. For much of it though, there wasn’t much between the teams, and fine margins played a big part in the hosts’ win.
At 0-0, Mihailovic rattled a superb shot off the bar, moments before Lacazatte scored from outside the box at the other end. The States then missed two huge chances to level inside a minute, with Tolkin heading off the post from a few yards out, which could’ve changed the game completely.
But they were punished once again as Olise curled in another fine strike from the edge of the area, which knocked the stuffing out of Marko Mitrovic’s team.
Badé headed in a late third, but the contest was already over by the stage.
More 2024 Olympic soccer tomorrow!
That's right, there's no rest for the wicked! The USWNT kick off their 2024 Olympic campaign tomorrow against Zambia, and we'll have full coverage of the game from Nice (3pm ET / 12pm PT kickoff), which might not be that nice for the African side.
We'll leave it there for now. Thanks for joining me for France 3-0 USA, hope to welcome you back tomorrow!
When does Team USA play next in the men's 2024 Olympics soccer tournament?
The USA will next be in action once the 2024 Olympics are "officially" underway.
Remaining Group A fixtures
Saturday, July 27: New Zealand - United States (1pm ET / 10am PT)
Saturday, July 27: France - Guinea (3pm ET / 12pm ET)
Tuesday, July 30: New Zealand - France (1pm ET / 10am PT)
Tuesday, July 30: United States - Guinea (1pm ET / 10am PT)
France go top Group A, USA bottom
After the opening round of games, France have moved to the top of Group A, with USA bottom. New Zealand also have three points after a 2-1 win over Guinea earlier on Wednesday.
Full-time: France 3-0 USA
That's it! It's all over! Team USA's first match in the men's 2024 Olympic Games soccer tournament ends in defeat. Not totally unexpected, it must be said, although heavier than they deserved, I would suggest.
The States have put up a pretty good fight, which should stand them in good stead for upcoming games against New Zealand and Guinea, which are likely to be easier (on paper at least).
Yow goal ruled out
The USA have the ball in the net through Griffin Yow! But it's ruled out for offside, which is tight, but correct. Not their day.
Team USA go close!
Almost a consolation! McGlynn's free-kick from the right brushes the head of Harriel and bounces inches wide of the post!
EIGHT minutes of injury time to be played. These Olympics have been a World Cup 2022 tribute to so far.
End-to-end stuff in the final minutes! USA think they should have a penalty, which isn't given. France race away up the other end and Doué fluffs his lines under pressure when it looks as if he might get a fourth for the hosts.
3-0, I have to say, is pretty harsh on the USA. This hasn't been a 3-0 game.
France substitution
Doué replaces Olise (who hasn't done much other than score a fine goal).
McGlynn clips a free-kick hopefully into the box but it clips off Lacazette and into the grateful arms of Restes. Time running out.
This game is petering out for the USA, I'm afraid. They reacted really well to the first goal, but the second has knocked the stuffing out of them.
A little break in play as the referee's microphone and earpiece seem to have packed it in.
USA substitutions
Yow, McGlynn and Booth replace Aaronson, Mihailovic and Paredes.
Play has got bogged down in midfield in the last few minutes, which suits France perfectly.
Changes for both teams
We've had some changes on either side.
France: Akliouche and Kalimuendo on, Millot and Mateta off.
USA: Dietz on, Buso off.
This is going to be a big ask for Team USA now.
USA's superb reaction to Lacazette goal
This has been a superb reaction from the USA. Maguire gets the ball in the box, turns and shoots, although he drags his effort across goal and wide.
Two huge chances for Team USA!
How have the USA not scored?! Not once, but twice!
Restes is the hero for France the first time, saving Aaronson's header. Then, Tolkin somehow heads against the post from only a couple of yards out!
Mihailovic hits the bar!
What a goal that would've been! The ball drops to Mihailovic on the edge of the box and he rattles it off the crossbar! That's by far the best moment of the match so far!
A flashpoint down in the corner between Badé and Maguire, which was definitely instigated by the French defender. He needlessly barged into the American there after play had stopped.
The kiss of death from this live blogger, as Mihailovic's free-kick from the right is easily headed away.
Ooh, this could be a chance for the USA...
That's better from Olise! He clips a nice pass in behind for Mateta, who looks for Lacazette in the middle but can't get the ball beyond Robinson. Chance gone.
Maguire very nearly nicks the ball away from Restes after Lukeba's backpass. The goalkeeper got it away just in the nick of time and launches a counter attack, which breaks down with Olise...
Millot attempts to trick his way past Tolkin down the French right and only succeeds in slicing the ball out for a goal kick. That's generally how it's gone for the hosts so far.
I've been very disappointed with Olise so far. He's struggled to get into the game and his touch has been a bit off when he has. He was brilliant in the Premier League, too.
Harriel header saved
The USA are first to threaten! Although threaten is probably too strong a word. Mihailovic flips a cross into the box and Harriel heads it goalwards, although it's an easy save for Restes.
Second half of France - USA underway!
Here we go again for the second half! No changes at the interval.
There's not been too much to shout about in Marseille so far, so what could possibly come along to liven things up? Oh, yes, that's right..
We're one day in, and VAR has already caused huge controversy.
A bit of half-time reading for you.
Wednesday's men's soccer action at the Olympics
As I mentioned earlier, we already have several results from games played a few hours ago:
Group A
Guinea 1-2 New Zealand
Group B
Argentina 1-2 Morocco
Group C
Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain
Egypt 0-0 Dominican Republic
As well as France - USA, Mali are taking on Israel in Group D at the moment. That game is also goalless at half-time.
France 0-0 USA: half-time thoughts
There was next to nothing to report from the first half-an-hour or so, apart from praise the USA for their defending.
France had two shots from long range which never troubled Schulte, and that was about it. Thierry Henry's boys did liven up a bit towards the end of the half, although it was the USA that created the most dangerous moment when Aaronson drifted inside and forced Restes to save with his feet.
Marko Mitrovic will be more than happy with his team's showing so far.
Team USA resolute in defence
Is that first half going to live long in the memory? I'd suggest not. But that's largely down to the USA defending resolutely and restricting France to very little. The hosts did improve a bit right towards the end of the half, although that's not saying much.
Half-time: France 0-0 USA
Well, that definitely got better after a super, duper slow start. No goals at halftime, though.
One last chance for France before the break, but Lukeba can't a header away cleanly in the box, and that's that for the half!
Two minutes of injury time to be played.
Mateta shoots wide!
France are finishing with a semi-flourish! Mateta picks the ball up just outside the box and flashes a low shot just past the post!
Schulte keeps France out!
Koné looks to pick out either Lacazette or Mateta in the box, but his cross almost sneaks in at the far post, causing Schulte to take evasive action!
Aaronson causing France problems
Team USA have taken heart from that Aaronson chance and have grown in confidence! The winger is in ACRES (and I mean ACRES) of space in behind the France defence and has another chance, although Sildillia does well to get back to divert the ball wide.
Ah, it was offside anyway...
I've hardly mentioned Mateta at all but he finally gets on the ball in the box. There's not much he can do with a high cross, though, and Schulte gathers without any trouble.
Aaronson draws save from Restes!
The best effort on goal so far...and it's for the USA! They work the ball from right to left to Aaronson, who cuts inside Sildillia and forces Restes into saving down low with his feet!
Paredes sees yellow for Team USA
That looks a bit harsh to me. Paredes leaves half a boot in on Truffert and gets a yellow card, which I'm not having. Neither is he.
Schulte saves from Koné!
I make that the first effort on target! It's another one from waaaaay downtown, this time from Koné, and Schulte gobbles it up without any trouble.
Truffert almost gets in behind on the France left for the first time, but fine positioning from Harriel stops him in his tracks.
France are a long ay off finding their mojo, but they're looking a tad sharper. Lacazette is starting to get on the ball and is looking to link up with Olise and Mateta in attack. Although the USA have done really well at the back so far.
Chapeau as they say in...France.
Excellent defending again from Zimmerman, who does enough to put Badé off as another corner comes into the box from the right. The French defender looked as if he might head that into the net!
Millot gets forward into the box for the first time and looks to feed the ball into Lacazette at the near post, but Zimmerman is on hand to clear. No way through!
France do look to have livened up a bit! Almost as if they're trying to prove me wrong as I gently lay into them.
Shots on goal in short supply
Here's a picture of Alexandre Lacazette having a shot on goal (in the warm-up, admittedly). Just to remind everyone of what one of those looks like.
Badé shoots...over!
It's taken 24 minutes, but we've finally had our first shot on goal! Badé was the chancer from all of 35 yards and it flies well, well over the bar. If this had been a good game so far, I might not have mentioned it...
Olise finally shows a bit of urgency down the France left and wins a corner. It came to nothing, but there was at least the threat of an effort on goal!
Team USA defending in numbers and looking to break when they get the chance. They've not been put under very much pressure so far, it has to be said.
This is like watching Euro 2024 all over again...
France have settled back into a period possession, but really aren't doing much with it at the moment.
Sildillia yellow card
That's fair enough. Sildillia is first in the book for that late challenge on Tolkin, who is back up and getting on with it.
Ooft! A sore one for Tolkin as Sildillia clatters into the left-back down near the touchline. It looks like he'll be OK...
Harriel looks to get Magure in behind, but his pass is overhit and it runs through to Restes.
The USA mount their first serious attack. Busio crosses into the box, Maguire flicks it on but can't find Aaronson, who was supporting at the back post.
Definitely more life in the stands than out on the pitch, so far...
The corner is hoisted high into the USA box, but is well claimed by Schulte.
A first real involvement for Lacazette, who wins a corner down the France right.
Lots of French possession so far, absolutely no cutting edge though. It's been an incredibly cagey start, with the ball being moved around at a leisurely pace.
French backed by noisy home crowd
They've not had too much to cheer about so far, but the crowd are getting right behind the hosts, as you'd expect.
France threaten for the first time, driving down the right flank as they look to get the ball in the box. The attack is eventually snuffed out, however, by a vigilant USA rearguard.
Very little going on in the opening minutes, the highlight of which has been Kevin Paredes winning a free-kick in the France half.
A little reminder of the lineups before anything major happens.
France: Restes; Sildillia, Badé, Lukeba, Truffert; Koné, Chotard, Millot; Olise, Mateta, Lacazette.
Team USA: Schulte; Harriel, Zimmerman, Robinson, Tolkin; Busio, Tessmann, Mihailovic; Paredes, Maguire, Aaronson.
France - USA underway in Marseille!
Team USA are officially underway in the 2024 Olympic games in men's soccer!
Ready to go...? Strap yourselves in!
Mbappé and Pulisic miss 2024 Olympic Games
Moments to go until kickoff! Just a little reminder of why Kylian Mbappé and Christian Pulisic, France and USA's biggest stars, aren't playing today in Marseille.
What is Team USA's record in men's soccer at the Olympics?
Weirdly, Team USA won two medals (silver and bronze) at the 1904 Olympics in St Louis, where on three club teams competed. Galt FC took the gold for Canada.
Since then, the States' best finish came in 2000, when they finished fourth.
What is France's record in men's soccer at the Olympics?
France have taken part in 13 of 27 soccer tournaments at the Olympics, winning two medals. In 1900 (remember) they won silver and went one better at the 1984 event in Los Angeles.
Why is France - USA being played in Marseille and not Paris?
The 2024 Olympics are being held in Paris, right? So why's this game being played in Marseille?
Well, it's pretty customary for a number of events to be spread around the host country, and it makes particular sense with soccer. There aren't enough big stadiums in Paris to go around, so matches are also taking place in Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne, Nantes and Nice.
VAR disallows Argentina goal against Morocco after more than an hour
Right, are you ready for this...? This is one of the most incredible endings to a game I can remember since I started following soccer.
Yes, you read that right, a goal was disallowed after more than an hour in Argentina's game against Morocco. VAR is gracing the tournament with its delightful presence and has wasted no time in making a mark.
2024 Olympics men's soccer results so far
14 men's soccer matches will be held across today and tomorrow, before the Olympics "officially" get underway. Here's what's happened so far on Wednesday, with one game I'll most definitely expand on...
Group A
Guinea 1-2 New Zealand
Group B
Argentina 1-2 Morocco
Group C
Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain
Egypt 0-0 Dominican Republic
Two matches are currently in progress, with another two, including France - USA, starting in less than 30 minutes or so.
Team USA line-up: fun facts and stats
US Soccer have quickly thrown up some fun facts and stats about some of the players in today's lineup to face France. Ready?
- Defenders Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman have paired together in central defense for the senior USMNT nine times, compiling a 7W-1L-1D record. All matches came in official competition (2021 Concacaf Gold Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying).
- Starting midfielders Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessmann play together in Italy for Venezia. The pair led the club’s promotion to Serie A during the 2023-24 season.
Told you it was fun, didn't I?
When does the women's 2024 Olympic soccer tournament start?
If you're wondering what's going on with the women's tournament and the USWNT, by the way, then wonder no more.
The women's event basically runs a day behind the men's, with the first matches played tomorrow, including USA against Zambia. The final is also a day later than the men's, on Saturday, August 10, also at the Parc des Princes.
There will, of course, be live coverage of USA vs Zambia right here on AS USA tomorrow.
How does the men's Olympic soccer tournament work (continued)?
Right, where was I?
Eight of the 16 teams from the group stage go through to the next round, with the other eight eliminated. From then on, it's all pretty straightforward, with quarterfinals, semifinals, a bronze medal match and the all-important gold medal game, which will be played at Paris Saint-Germain's Parc des Princes on Friday, August 9.
Does it feel weird to have a soccer final on a Friday? Yes, it does, but that's the Olympics!
Team USA lineup to play France
And here comes Team USA!
Schulte; Harriel, Zimmerman, Robinson, Tolkin; Busio, Tessmann, Mihailovic; Paredes, Maguire, Aaronson.
Ex-Arsenal striker Lacazette captains France
Premier League fans will be very familiar with France's attacking trio of Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise.
The first of the trio enjoyed a reasonable spell at Arsenal, while the latter duo were two of Crystal Palace's best players last season. Olise, however, is now off to German giants Bayern Munich.
France team to play Team USA
None other the New York Red Bulls legend Thierry Henry, one of the greatest French players of all time, is in charge of France at these Olympics. Here's his first line-up:
Restes; Sildillia, Badé, Lukeba, Truffert; Koné, Chotard, Millot; Olise, Mateta, Lacazette.
France - USA lineups incoming!
Let's hang fire for just a sec on the 'how does the tournament work?' chat. We have line-ups!
How does the men's Olympic soccer tournament work?
Right, so we've established that Team USA are playing against France, there are 16 countries competing and that most of the players are under 23. But how does the men's soccer tournament action work?
First of all, the 16 nations have been drawn into these four groups:
Group A: France, USA, Guinea, New Zealand
Group B: Argentina, Morocco, Ukraine, Iraq
Group C: Uzbekistan, Spain, Egypt, Dominican Republic
Group D: Japan, Paraguay, Mali, Israel
Which overage players are playing for France and the USA?
We’ve got three ‘old timers’ (says me) on either side. Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Loïc Badé of Sevilla have been picked as the ‘veterans’ for France.
On the American side, it’s defenders Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerframe..er, sorry, Zimmerman, along with midfielder Djordje Mihailovic.
My esteemed colleague Calum Roche is here to enlighten you on which players will be providing the experience across the 16 squads.
Team USA roster for the 2024 Olympic Games
As for the United States, head coach Marko Mitrovic, who you probably don’t remember as Chicago Fire’s assistant a few years back, has gone with these 18 players, with four players in reserve once more:
Goalkeepers: Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea)
Defenders: Maximilian Dietz (Greuther Furth), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Caleb Wiley (Chelsea), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfielders: Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union), Djordje Mihailovic (Colorado Rapids), Tanner Tessmann (Venezia)
Forwards: Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht), Taylor Booth (FC Utrecht), Duncan McGuire (Orlando City), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg), Griffin Yow (KVC Westerlo)
Reserves: Josh Atencio (Seattle Sounders, midfielder), Jacob Davis (Sporting Kansas City, defender), Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig, forward), John Pulskamp (Sporting Kansas City, goalkeeper)
France roster for the 2024 Olympic Games
So if Mbappé, Griezmann and Co aren’t playing for France, then who is? Here’s the host nation’s 18-man roster for the tournament (along with four reserves):
Goalkeepers: Obed Nkambadio (Paris FC), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)
Defenders: Loïc Badé (Sevilla), Bradley Locko (Brest), Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig), Soungoutou Magassa (Monaco), Kiliann Sildillia (Freiburg), Adrien Truffert (Rennes)
Midfielders: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Joris Chotard (Montpellier), Désiré Doué (Rennes), Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Enzo Millot (Stuttgart)
Forwards: Rayan Cherki (Lyon), Arnaud Kalimuendo (Rennes), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Reserves: Théo De Percin (Auxerre), Andy Diouf (Lens), Chrislain Matsima (Monaco), Lesley Ugochukwu (Chelsea)
Why is the men’s Olympic soccer tournament for under-23 players?
Now I know what you’re thinking. Why on earth is the Olympic men’s soccer tournament is for under-23 players only? And it’s a fair question. There is, however, a reasonably logical answer, which Andy is on hand to explain right here.
FRANCK FIFE / AFP
No Kylian Mbappé or Christian Pulisic in France - USA
No, I’m afraid this is not a wind-up. In case you weren’t aware, neither France skipper Kylian Mbappé nor Captain America Christian Pulisic will be playing in today’s clash. Neither will Antoine Griezmann. Nor Weston McKennie. Nor N’Golo Kanté. Nor Tyler Adams. You get the drift.
As for why, that’s because the Olympic Games are essentially an under-23 tournament, with a few exceptions. So while you might not get to see some of the world’s super-tired biggest stars in action, you will have the chance to feast your eyes on some of the sport’s brightest young talents.
And there are plenty of those in both France and the United States.
Glad you asked. Two events got underway today, while two more will start tomorrow (Thursday, 25 July), all before the opening ceremony takes place on the banks of the Seine on Friday.
Don’t try telling any of today’s performers the Olympics haven’t started yet, though.
When do the 2024 Olympic Games start and end?
There are probably a few things we should run through before we get into the nitty gritty of France against Team USA. The 2024 Olympic Games are due to begin on Friday, 26 July (no, I haven’t lost my mind) and finish on Sunday, 11 August.
However,…
Several sports, including men’s and women’s soccer are starting a little earlier, for various reasons. “What reasons?” you ask....
What time does France against USA kick off?
The game in Marseille (wait, what?) gets underway at 9:00 p.m. local time, which is 3:00 p.m. ET and 12:00 a.m. PT.
Early/extended lunch breaks all round!
Hello and welcome to live text coverage of France - USA at the 2024 Olympics!
The long wait is finally over! The 2024 Olympics Games are here at long last and we’ve got just over two weeks of top-notch, non-stop sporting action for you, from archery and artistic swimming to weightlifting and wrestling (zumba hasn’t made it into the Olympics yet, sadly, ruining my A to Z).
We have some soccer action in a little over an hour, which maybe doesn’t feel that Olympic-y (not a word, I know). But you’ll be right up for it when you learn host nation France and taking on none other than Team USA in their opening game of the group phase!
I’m Roddy and thanks for joining me for live text coverage of Les Bleus against The Stars and Stripes.