For the first time in 24 years, the United States men’s soccer team has advanced to the knockout rounds of the Olympic Games. The last appearance for the U.S. men in the Olympic tournament was in 2008, and they haven’t progressed this far since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where they lost the bronze medal match to Chile.
The team took control early, with Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic scoring a stunning free kick and VfL Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes adding a well-placed shot after a solo run. These two goals in the first 30 minutes set the tone for the match.
Entering the final group stage match, the U.S. needed to match or better New Zealand’s result to advance from Group A. The two early goals put them in a strong position, and group leaders France helped by defeating New Zealand 3-0, ensuring the U.S. a second-place finish in the group behind France.
Despite losing to France in their opening match, consecutive victories over New Zealand and Guinea were enough to push the U.S. through to the quarterfinals, where they will face Morocco. This match is scheduled for Friday, August 2, at 9:00 am Eastern at Parc des Princes, the home of Paris Saint-Germain. Morocco topped Group A with a dramatic victory over Argentina, followed by a loss to Ukraine and a decisive 3-0 win against Iraq.
Throughout the group stage, U.S. head coach Marko Mitrovic focused on a solid defensive strategy, relying on a strong backline featuring FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson and Nashville SC’s Walker Zimmerman. The team often ceded possession but maintained a disciplined defensive shape. Injuries also played a role in lineup decisions, with defensive-minded Maximilian Dietz replacing the injured playmaker Gianluca Busio. Forward Griffin Yow was also included to add pace, replacing the more physical Duncan McGuire.
In the second half against Guinea, the U.S. continued to prioritize defense, allowing only a few non-threatening shots. Paredes scored a second goal, securing the victory and ensuring the team’s advancement. Both were substituted in the second half to preserve their fitness for the quarterfinal.
The U.S. team can be proud of their performance in the group stage, where they created more scoring opportunities per game than all but two teams in the tournament. Defensively, they were solid, with a strong rate of winning duels. Mitrovic has the team playing effective tournament soccer, focusing on defense and capitalizing on scoring chances.
This U.S. squad is notably different from the one that played in the recent Copa America, as Olympic men’s soccer is restricted to players under the age of 23, with an allowance for three overage players. Zimmerman, Robinson, and Mihailovic were selected as the overage players. This trio is also the only group of players on the team old enough to remember the last time the U.S. men’s team reached the Olympic quarterfinals.
The U.S. team is familiar with their upcoming opponent, Morocco, having faced them in a friendly in November 2023, where Morocco won 1-0. Many players from that friendly are part of the current Olympic roster, although some key players, including goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and Kevin Paredes, were not involved in that match.
Now, with a solid group stage behind them, the U.S. men’s team looks forward to their quarterfinal clash with Morocco, hoping to make history and continue their strong performance in the tournament.
