5️⃣ best group stage matches to watch at the Women's Olympics | OneFootball

The Women’s Olympics football gets started on Thursday, and that means there’s a chance to see some of the world’s best talent.

This event is open to players of any age, as opposed to the men’s event which is restricted to those players under the age of 23.

Here’s what we’ve selected as the best five group stage matches not to be missed.

France v Canada

Taking place on Sunday at 9pm CET, this tie sees hosts France take on the current Olympic champions Canada.

The Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint Étienne will be the venue and this will be a slightly different Canada side as they navigate life without their long-serving captain Christine Sinclair.

Now 41, Sinclair made a staggering 331 appearances for her country between 2000 and 2023, scoring 190 goals in the process, but retired at the end of last year’s World Cup.

They will face a tough test versus the hosts and one of Europe’s top sides in France, and they have a razor-sharp attack, boasting the likes of Grace Geyoro, Kadidiatou Diani, and Marie-Antoinette Katoto going forward.

Colombia v Canada

This is another tough group stage test for Canada, as they take on the side that became surprise quarter-finalists in last summer’s Women’s World Cup.

The Colombians beat Jamaica in the Round of 16, and in the quarter-final even took the lead against the England side that eventually made it to the final.

What’s more, the South American side plays fast-paced football and are always exciting to watch.

Germany v Australia

Germany received a blow just before the tournament began as the news broke that star midfielder Lena Oberdorf had suffered an ACL injury that ended her hopes of playing at the Olympics.

“This is a severe blow and we all feel for Lena,” her club Bayern Munich wrote in a statement. “We’ll support her on her way back and be there for her in every respect. Lena is a fighter and there’s a lot to come from her.”

Oberdorf has been replaced in the squad by Freiburg’s Janina Minge.

Despite the blow, Germany have plenty of talent and Australia have their own injury woes too, with Sam Kerr also on the sidelines with an ACL tear.

The Matildas narrowly missed out on a bronze medal last time around, and will be looking to improve on that finish this year.

United States vs Zambia

All eyes will be on former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes in this game as she leads her USA side into a tournament, having only just taken on the job.

The USA will still be hurting from their outing in last year’s Women’s World Cup, where the four-time winners crashed out on penalties versus Sweden in the Round of 16.

They face a Zambia side which have a razor sharp attacking line, including the world’s most expensive player Racheal Kundananji.

Could this be a potential banana skin?

Spain vs Brazil

A match that perhaps needs no introduction. World Cup holders Spain take on one of the world’s most famous footballing nations Brazil, with the South American side clinging on to legendary player Marta.

This will be the 38-year-old’s final international tournament, having made 183 appearances for the Seleção, scoring 118 goals.

Meanwhile Spain are competing in their first ever Olympics, and with a side that contains Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, will be looking to add a gold medal to their growing trophy cabinet.