Yahoo Sports USA vs Zambia: Preview, predictions, team news
The USA begin their campaign for their fifth gold medal on July 25 against Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The U.S. Women's National Team are looking to get off to a strong start at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The Stars and Stripes might have the most gold medals in women's soccer of all time, but they have not won gold since 2012. Now, under new coach, Emma Hayes, the USWNT are enjoying an unbeaten run heading into their first Group B fixture.
Zambia, meanwhile, only just qualified for the tournament three months ago. The Cooper Queens were sorted into Group B along with the USA, Germany, and Australia, giving them three tough opponents in just their second-ever Olympics appearance.
Here's 90min's guide to USA vs Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
What time does USA vs Zambia kick off?
USA vs Zambia H2H record
USA vs Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will mark the first ever meeting between the two countries.
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch USA vs Zambia on TV and live stream
USA team news
The USWNT only managed a scoreless draw against Costa Rica in their final international friendly before traveling to France, but the Stars and Stripes were without two of their starters, Jenna Nighswonger and Rose Lavelle. Fortunately, both players only sat out as a precaution, and they will be ready to go against Zambia.
Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson are the two forwards that have found the most success under Emma Hayes, and they will be heavily relied upon to carry the goalscoring load for the USWNT in France.
USA predicted lineup vs Zambia
USA predicted lineup vs Zambia ( 4-3-3 ): Naeher; Fox, Girma, Davidson, Nighswonger; Lavelle, Horan, Coffey; Rodman, Smith, Swanson
Zambia team news
Zambia were the final team to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Back in April, the Cooper Queens defeated Morocco in a two-leg playoff in the fourth round of the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, landing them in Group B.
Zambia will be led by by Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda, who already has 12 goals in just 12 matches this season in the NWSL. Banda is one of the most in-form strikers in women's soccer right now, and she will have to come up huge if Zambia want to hang with the USWNT.
Zambia predicted lineup vs USA (4-3-2): Musonda; Siamfuko, P Zulu, Mweemba, Tembo; H Chanda, Wilombe, M Zulu; Chitundu, Kundananji, Banda
USA vs Zambia score prediction
The USA should emerge victorious in their first Group B fixture at this summer's Olympics. It is hard to imagine the USWNT's unbeaten streak ending against Zambia, who has just two wins in 2024. Plus, Emma Hayes' squad has yet to concede a goal with their new manager on the sideline.
