The U.S. men’s team has qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2008, but they face a big task when they face host nation France. The first of three group stage matches could set the tone for the rest of the Olympic soccer tournament. And these key matches against top-tier opponents are important for U.S. Soccer in terms of developing a youth team.

Some hope that qualifying in 2024 before hosting 2028 will be as important as qualifying for the 1990 World Cup before hosting in 1994. How will the U.S. perform in their group in Paris? They could get a quick education when they play France.

US squad calls on familiar names for youth development

When the U.S. Olympic roster was announced, the news of those who were not on the roster overshadowed the news of those who were. Diego Luna was a key part of the team that qualified for the Olympics and is having a tremendous year for Real Salt Lake. Unfortunately, he was only offered a spot as a reserve, which he declined.

Despite being an U23 tournament, head coach Marko Mitrovic managed to include some players with senior national team experience. Three older players are Walker Zimmerman (2022 World Cup veteran), Miles Robinson (3 goals in 29 senior national team appearances) and Djordje Mihailovic (9 appearances for the senior national team).

But it’s not just the older players who have full international experience. Midfielder Gianluca Busio was part of the 2021 Gold Cup-winning squad. Defender John Tolkin played three times for the senior team last year and once this year. While midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi may only have one senior appearance, he spent the last year playing alongside Lionel Messi at his club, scoring six goals for Inter Miami.

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Continuing the soccer momentum in the United States

This year, Summer Soccer arrived, with Euro 2024, the Copa America, and the Olympics taking place. This meant a huge opportunity for the game of soccer in the United States.

Unfortunately, the U.S. National Team squandered much of that opportunity when they fell in the Copa America group stage. This disaster led to Gregg Berhalter being removed as national team coach.

Fortunately, the Olympics provide an opportunity to regain that momentum. If the U.S. men (and U.S. women) perform well, excitement will build again ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

France to be US’ toughest opponent in Olympic group stage

The US opens its Olympic campaign against France. Thierry Henry is managing the host nation. It’s a first-hand look at what the Frenchman brings to the table from a management perspective for US Soccer. Henry is one of the candidates

But his current task is to guide France to a good performance on home soil, and while they may not have the biggest names in French football, the squad is still full of talent.

The French may not have the advantage over the US, but they do have full international experience. Only their captain, 33-year-old Alexandre Lacazette, appears to have full international experience, although his last appearance for France was in 2017.

France has the advantage that most of its players play for big European clubs. The majority of the squad is based locally, but there are also a few players from other countries. Defender Castello Lukena plays for RB Leipzig. Defender Loic Bade plays for Sevilla. And forward Jean-Philippe Mateta plays for Crystal Palace.

Fans in the United States can watch the U.S. U23s take on France in the Olympics on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The broadcast is available on USA Network, but fans can also watch on NBC’s streaming service Peacock. Every soccer match in the tournament, including the playoffs, will be available on TV. Telemundo will provide Spanish-language TV coverage of the U.S. Olympics against France.

After playing France, the United States will turn its attention to New Zealand on Saturday, then wrap up the group stage against Guinea on Tuesday, July 30.

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