The U.S. Women’s National Team kicks off its Olympics journey, with all eyes on the gold medal.
The USWNT opens their Olympics run in Group B with African nation Zambia on Thursday, July 25 at Stade de Nice in Nice, France. It’s as close to a must-win game as there could be in a group stage match, with Germany and Australia awaiting in the next two games.
It’s a new era for the USWNT under new coach Emma Hayes, but there are still some veterans who should make a big impact, including Lindsey Horan, Crystal Dunn, and Rose Lavelle.
The U.S. will have to be careful defensively, as NWSL co-leading goalscorer Barbra Banda is expected to start and lead the line for Zambia.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
LIVE: Follow along as the USWNT face Zambia at the 2024 Olympics, with highlights & commentary
What time does USWNT vs. Zambia kick off?
This 2024 Olympics group stage match takes place at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France and kicks off on Thursday, July 25 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the US:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thur, Jul. 25 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Alaska ST | Thur, Jul. 25 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Hawaii ST | Thur, Jul. 25 | 9:00 a.m. |
USWNT vs. Zambia live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this 2024 Olympics match in the U.S.:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | USA Network | Fubo, NBC Sports app/website, Peacock |
USA: This game is available for live broadcast on NBC’s USA Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which offers a FREE trial to new subscribers, and Peacock.
USWNT vs. Zambia lineups, team news
There were concerns over the fitness of Rose Lavelle after her withdrawal from the starting lineup for the pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica, but the U.S. midfielder is in the starting lineup.
Catarina Macario is not on the roster after being forced to withdraw from the Olympics due to knee soreness, replaced by Lynn Williams. It was thought Jaedyn Shaw would be an important presence off the bench, but she was ruled out just 90 minutes prior to kickoff of today’s match with a leg injury, replaced temporarily on the roster by alternate Croix Bethune.
The only surprise to today’s XI is the absence of Jenna Nighswonger at left-back, with veteran Crystal Dunn starting instead.
USWNT starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Naeher (GK) — Fox, Girma, Davidson, Dunn — Horan, Coffey, Lavelle — Rodman, S. Smith, Swanson.
Zambia’s regular goalkeeper Hazel Nali was forced to withdraw from the World Cup roster due to an ACL tear last summer, and has not been brought back into the fold quite yet.
The Copper Queens have two players who play for NWSL clubs, as forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji ply their trade in the United States. Banda is known for her 102nd minute equalizer against Germany to seal a 3-2 upset in a friendly prior to last summer’s World Cup, also scoring against Costa Rica in the tournament itself to mark the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history.
Zambia starting XI (4-3-3 right to left): Musole (GK) — Siamfuko, Mweemba, Tembo — G. Chanda, H Chanda, Chilufya, Chitundu, Mupopo — Kundananji, B. Banda.
USWNT vs. Zambia prediction
Hayes will keep the U.S. focused on this match, even though it could be seen as a trap game. It will be important for the U.S. to get off to a good start, so expect to see the Zambian backline under a lot of pressure. The question is — will Zambia buckle or hold strong?
Prediction: USWNT 2-1 Zambia
