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The United States Women’s National Team to Face Mexico Before Olympics
The United States women’s national team is set to play against Mexico at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on July 13. This match will serve as a crucial fixture before the team departs for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, as announced by U.S. Soccer on Friday.
Expected to lead the team in this pivotal encounter is incoming coach Emma Hayes, who will conclude her season at Chelsea before fully taking the reins. Mexico recently bested the U.S. with a 2-0 win during the Concacaf W Gold Cup group stage, marking only their second victory in 43 previous meetings between the two sides.
Despite the setback, the Americans rallied to triumph in the Gold Cup, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final on March 10. Following the Mexico match, one more home game remains on the schedule, with specifics on the date, venue, and opponent yet to be disclosed.
The USWNT will kick off their Olympic campaign on July 25 against either Morocco or Zambia in Nice, France. Subsequent group stage matches will see them facing off against Germany and Australia. Though a dominant force historically, having claimed four out of the first five Olympic gold medals in women’s soccer, the U.S. squad last secured the top spot in 2012, settling for a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Having suffered a disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Sweden in 2023, the team aims to regain their winning form. On July 13, U.S. Soccer will commemorate the 1999 World Cup-winning team with a special pregame celebration and player reunion. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United States’ victory on home soil, a noteworthy milestone in the team’s illustrious history.
Looking ahead, both the United States and Mexico are in the running to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A decision by FIFA is expected on May 17, pitting the joint bid from the two nations against competing bids from Brazil and Belgium-Germany-Netherlands consortium.
Leading up to the 2024 Olympics, the U.S. team has a packed schedule with six games remaining. This includes participation in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, a series of friendlies against South Korea in June, the Mexico clash, and a send-off match later in July. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising talent, the team is poised to make a strong statement in both the upcoming matches and the Olympic tournament.
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