The USWNT will begin their knockout journey at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, facing Japan in a crucial quarterfinal matchup.
Following three wins in three games, the US finished atop Group B, while Japan ended as runners-up in Group C with two wins and a loss.
Soccer quarterfinals mean do or die at Olympics
The quarterfinals in soccer at the Olympics highlight the importance of each game, where the winner gets to compete for a medal, and the loser leaves empty-handed.
The US has a strong record in the quarterfinals, with only one loss in 2016 to Sweden in a surprising penalty shootout.
If the US beats Japan, they will face the winner of the Germany vs. Canada quarterfinal. Spain will also play against Colombia, while France meets a Marta-less Brazil in the single-day quarterfinals on Saturday.
USWNT vs. Japan Olympic quarterfinal preview
Japan last reached the Olympic medal rounds in 2012, winning silver after losing to the US in the gold medal match.
This year, Japan suffered a loss to Spain in their first Olympic game but bounced back against Brazil and Nigeria to finish the group stage with a 2-0-1 record.
In their most recent encounter at the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, the USWNT narrowly defeated Japan 2-1 with a late goal from Lindsey Horan.
Japan’s style favors quick counter-attacks, so the US will need to minimize midfield turnovers to maintain control.
Emma Hayes’s starting XI remains in question
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes will need to make changes to her starting lineup as midfielder Sam Coffey is suspended for one game due to yellow card accumulation.
According to IOC rules, the USWNT cannot replace Coffey with another player and will have only 17 players available for the match on Saturday.
The availability of Tierna Davidson and Jaedyn Shaw is uncertain due to injuries. Davidson missed the last game with a knee contusion, while Shaw has yet to play in France due to a leg injury.
How to watch USWNT vs. Japan at the Olympics
The USWNT will compete against Japan at 9 AM ET on Saturday, with live coverage on NBC networks.
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