2024 Paris Olympics men’s soccer: Bracket, what to know as USA face Morocco, Argentina meet France

The men’s Olympic soccer knockout phase is now set with the United States up against Morocco, Japan taking on Spain, Egypt meeting Paraguay and hosts France being reunited with FIFA 2022 World Cup conquerors Argentina. The quarterfinals are on Friday with the semifinals coming next Monday before the final next Friday as well as the bronze medal game. With plenty of quality still left in the field, it is anybody’s gold medal at present with the draw opening up nicely for France and Argentina.

With the four quarterfinals leading into the two semifinals and then the final over this next week, we have all you need to know and keep an eye on.

Quarterfinal schedule and how to watch

Friday, August 2

• USMNT vs. Morocco, 9 a.m. (USA Network)
• Japan vs. Spain, 11 a.m. (Universo)
• Egypt vs. Paraguay, 1 p.m. (Universo)
• France vs. Argentina, 3 p.m. (Universo)

Bracket

USMNT vs. Morocco, August 2 in Paris

USMNT: The Americans are into their first Olympic men’s soccer knockouts since their run to the final four back in 2000. A 24-year best, the U.S. have recovered well after losing to hosts France early on and now could give the Moroccans a test. Although Japan or Spain are likely to pose an even tougher test, a potential history-equaling semifinal spot could be within reach for Marko Mitrovic’s side.

Morocco: The Atlas Lions have reason for optimism, though, with Soufiane Rahimi on a hot run of form with four goals from three games so far at an average of 1.3 goals per 90 minutes. The Moroccans did get beaten by eliminated Ukraine so the U.S. will be encouraged by that but defense has not exactly been the USA’s strong suit so far and Rahimi being the Paris Olympic’s leading goal scorer is a worry.

Japan vs. Spain, August 2 in Lyon

Japan: One of two teams with a 100% winning record so far and the other one being host nation France, Samurai Blue are a threat to Spain and potentially the USA or Morocco too. On top of that, the Japanese have kept three clean sheets so far for a 100% shutout record. If the Spanish, who have arguably been a bit disappointing so far, are to advance then it will have to be a strong performance to down Go Oiwa’s men.

Spain: La Roja had to make do with an unexpected second-place finish in Group C behind unbeaten Egypt. The Spanish scored six times over their three group games but the Egyptians stunned them in the third encounter which has now landed them a tricky potential route to the final. No clean sheets so far, though, will be a concern as Spain seek to add an Olympic gold to their UEFA Euro 2024 title.

Egypt vs. Paraguay, August 2 in Marseille

Egypt: With two clean sheets from three, the Pharaohs are ones to watch in this knockout phase given their solid showings in 2012 and 2020. Up against a Paraguayan side which has shown quality in attack but also been vulnerable at the back, a route to a possible semifinal is opening up. Getting to the final four would be one step further than those two previous Olympic showings although a loss here would make it five quarterfinal exits without ever reaching the semifinals.

Paraguay: After recovering from a heavy opening defeat, the Albirroja have found their feet and will have been looking forward to a chance to reach the semifinals given that they probably expected to face Spain before the final round of games. However, travel delays and accommodation issues have thrown the Paraguayan delegation’s preparation plans into disarray and there has even been an effort to postpone the game given their failure to travel on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s game.

France vs. Argentina, August 2 in Bordeaux

France: Along with Japan, Les Bleus boast the Paris Games’ other 100% winning record in men’s soccer and the hosts will be favorites to continue their progress against an Argentina side that has struggled to truly convince as pre-tournament favorites. The winner from this one will be one of the best bets to reach next week’s final and only the Japanese and the USA can match the French goals total of seven although Samurai Blue also boast the same three clean sheets as Thierry Henry’s men.

Argentina: The other big angle of interest ahead of this one is that it is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar which the Albiceleste won. Much will be made of a shot at revenge for the French but these are not at all the same two sides as the ones we saw just over 18 months ago. Javier Mascherano’s men have gotten over their controversial early defeat and will now be keen to build on a knockout round berth which normally means a deep run for the Argentines at Olympics.

Semifinal and final bracket

All times U.S./Eastern

Monday, August 5

• USA/Morocco vs. Japan/Spain, 12 p.m. (Marseille)
• France/Argentina vs. Egypt/Paraguay, 3 p.m. (Lyon)

Friday, August 9

• USMNT/Morocco/Japan/Spain vs. France/Argentina/Egypt/Paraguay, 12 p.m. (Paris)