After securing two dramatic 1-0 overtime victories in their opening matches of the 2024 Olympic Women’s Soccer Tournament, the U.S. Women’s National Team is set to face Brazil for the gold medal at Paris 2024 on Saturday, August 10. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. ET / 5 p.m. local time at Parc des Princes, with coverage on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock.
The USA aims for its fifth gold medal in women’s soccer, seeking its first since 2012. This will be their sixth Olympic final in eight appearances and the 11th final in 17 world championships. Brazil, a frequent rival in knockout rounds, stands as the USA’s opponent in this gold medal match, marking the third Olympic clash between these two powerhouses, with the U.S. previously winning in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
The USA-Germany semifinal on August 6 in Lyon showcased a clash between two historic women’s soccer powerhouses. In another grueling contest, the U.S. emerged victorious with a 1-0 win thanks to a late goal by 23-year-old Sophia Smith. Both teams, having played 120 minutes in their quarterfinals, exchanged chances but remained scoreless through 90 minutes.
The decisive moment came in the 95th minute when Mallory Swanson’s pass found Smith, who lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper for the winning goal. Alyssa Naeher’s key saves in the closing minutes ensured the clean sheet and secured the U.S. a spot in their first world championship final since the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Throughout the knockout stages, the USWNT has yet to trail at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The only previous instance of the team going an entire Olympics without trailing was during their gold medal run in Athens 2004.
Tuesday’s match was the USWNT’s 11th extra-time game at the Olympics and only the second time they have played back-to-back extra-time matches, previously occurring in the 2004 Athens semifinals and final.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.