USWNT vs. Japan live stream, forecast, scheduled lineups: where to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics, start time

The US Women’s National Team and head coach Emma Hayes will play a high-stakes match on Saturday. The USWNT and Japan will kick off the Olympic knockout rounds, while the sides will compete in the quarter-finals. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and meet the winners of Canada and Germany.

The Stars and Stripes have a long history against Japan and Saturday’s quarter-final will be the 41st meeting of all time between the old rivals. The two teams have faced off in three previous world championships, with Japan victorious at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the United States as champions at the 2012 London Games and the 2015 World Cup.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming match:

View information

• Date: Saturday August 2 | Time: 9am ET
• Place: Parc des Princes — Paris, France
• TV: USA Network, Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
• Chances: USWNT-150; Sign +320; Japan +370

USWNT lineup projection

USWNT starting XI: Naeher, Fox, Girma, Sonnett, Dunn, Albert, Horan, Lavelle, Smith, Swanson, Rodman

Storylines

USWNT: Head coach Emma Hayes told media in France that she will wait until the last possible moment to make selection decisions regarding defender Tierna Davidson. She suffered a knee contusion against Germany and was unavailable against Australia. Emily Sonnett has moved into the backline in her place, and Hayes is also cautious with forward Jaedyn Shaw, who has been out with a leg injury since the team arrived in France. Croix Bethune remains an active member of the roster in Shaw’s place, and Hayes defends her rotation choices heading into the knockout rounds.

The pile-up of injuries and yellow cards for midfielder Sam Coffey will likely force Hayes to make adjustments to her preferred starting lineup. But don’t expect. Much on the attacking line, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman have emerged as the USWNT’s best weapons – the trio scoring nine goals in three matches against the Olympic competition

Japan: Former 2011 World Cup champions and 2012 Olympic runners-up, the program once again elevated its status as a contender after an impressive 2023 World Cup. Head coach Futoshi Ikeda has a strong roster composed mainly of young athletes and players in their prime. Veteran Saki Kumagai is the only representative from the 2011 World Cup-winning squad and converted a penalty against Nigeria to take second place in the group.

But Japan’s ability to be technical, patient and physical when necessary makes them a tough opponent. They are also very clinical and have six different goalscorers in the tournament and can connect at any time.

Prediction

The two teams have played with narrow score lines in recent meetings, so look for more of the same. It’s the elimination rounds and there will be an opening half with stretches of methodical play, but both sides will find the back of the net when they choose their attacking moments. Choose: USWNT 2, Japan 1