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The men won’t be the only soccer stars getting in on the fun at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The best women’s soccer players in the world will also convene in Paris with 12 teams vying for the gold.
The Olympic women’s soccer tournament promises to deliver its own brand of excitement. Kicking off on July 25 and culminating with the final on August 10, the tournament will feature some of the world’s top nations going toe-to-toe with an eye on the top spot on the podium.
The Olympic stage is set for intense competition, with powerhouse teams like the USA, Spain, and France leading the charge. These nations, along with several dark horses, are poised to showcase their talents in Paris. Sports betting sites have already released their women’s soccer odds ahead of the competition, so let’s delve into the breakdown of each team’s chances and see who might emerge victorious in this thrilling quest for Olympic glory
Olympic Women’s Soccer Odds
USA (+175)
The USA women’s soccer team is the favorite to win the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with odds of +175.
The USA has a rich history of success in women’s soccer, which can’t be said for their male counterparts. Women’s soccer has only been an Olympic sport since 1996, and the Americans have absolutely dominated the competition. The US advanced as far as the gold medal game in each of their first 5 trips to the Games, winning it 4 times.
The recent track record isn’t quite as impressive, however. The USA was knocked out of the quarterfinals in 2016 before settling for the bronze medal back in 2020.
Unlike with the men’s tournament, there are no age-related restrictions with regards to the rosters. So, the US is sending an incredibly deep squad to Paris with big names like Alyssa Naeher, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Horan, and Rose Lavelle in the side. Noticeably absent from the squad is Alex Morgan, who was controversially left off.
With a strong roster filled with experienced players and emerging talents, the USA is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Their status as favorites is well-earned. However, they’re only ranked 5th in the latest FIFA rankings.
Spain (+200)
Spain, with odds of +200, is another top contender for the gold. Spain’s youth system has consistently produced world-class talents, and their team for the Olympics is no exception.
Spain won the most recent Women’s World Cup just last year, and they enter the Olympic Games ranked as the No. 1 team in the world. Somewhat surprisingly, however, this will be Spain’s first-ever trip to the Olympics in women’s soccer.
La Roja will be led by 34-year-old striker Jennifer Hermoso, the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. Hermoso started her club career in her native country, but she currently plies her craft professionally in Mexico. She finished second in the voting for player of the tournament at the last World Cup and was awarded the Silver Ball for her efforts. Teammate Aitana Bonmati – who will also be in Paris this summer – was the Golden Ball winner.
With a tactical and disciplined approach, Spain has the potential to go all the way. Their recent success in international tournaments indicates that they are well-prepared for the Olympic challenge.
France (+450)
France comes in with odds of +450, making them a strong contender on home soil. The French team benefits from the home advantage, and their roster is filled with talented players who have already made a mark in top European clubs. France enter the tournament ranked 2nd in the world, just behind Spain.
France will play in Group A with Canada, Colombia, and New Zealand. They’re favored to win the group, and justifiably so. They haven’t advanced past the quarterfinals at any of their last 3 World Cup trips, however. That includes the 2019 event, when they entered among the betting favorites with the tournament taking place in France.
France has also enjoyed limited success on the Olympic stage. Their best-ever finish was a 4th-place showing in 2012, while they reached the quarters 4 years later in Rio.
France’s depth and quality make them a formidable opponent, and their recent performances in international tournaments further bolster their chances.
Japan (+750)
Japan’s odds are set at +750, offering a potentially lucrative return for bettors. With the experience of hosting the previous Olympics in Tokyo, they will be looking to improve on their performance and challenge for a medal.
Japan has been among the most successful teams in women’s soccer in recent years, and they’ve been a thorn in the side of the Americans. Let’s not forget they upset Team USA to win the 2011 World Cup. However, the US exacted some revenge by beating Japan in the gold medal game at the Summer Games the next very year in London.
Rather disappointingly, Japan was eliminated in the quarterfinals despite playing at home in the Tokyo 2020 games. Let’s not forget, however, that crowds were banned from attending the events as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. So, the home-field “advantage” wasn’t much of an advantage in the end.
This Japan team dismantled the eventual champions, Spain, by a 4-0 margin in the group stage of last year’s World Cup. They crashed out in the next round, however, and an underwhelming showing at the SheBelieves Cup has some questioning whether they’re capable of competing for gold this summer.
Japan took home the silver in the aforementioned 2012 games, while they haven’t finished better than 4th in any of their other 5 Olympic outings. Despite some ragged recent form, I don’t hate the value of Japan at +750.
Australia (+900)
Australia is listed at +900, suggesting a solid chance of competing for a medal. The Matildas have been improving steadily and possess a mix of experienced internationals and young stars. Their physical style and attacking prowess make them a dangerous opponent.
Australia advanced to the semis at the 2023 World Cup before ultimately settling for a 4th-place finish. They’ve also never finished better than 4th at any of their 4 previous trips to the Olympics. They took 4th in 2020, while they’ve advanced beyond the group stage in 3 of 4 attempts.
One issue for the Aussies is their group. They’ve been grouped in with the Americans, the Germans, and Zambia in a tricky Group B. The Matildas will also be without star player Sam Kerr at these Games, but that may not be a huge deal. After all, they advanced to the semis at last year’s World Cup with Kerr severely limited due to injuries.
It’s also worth noting that securing one of the top 2 spots in their group will likely keep Australia on the opposite side of the bracket from Spain, which should boost their medal hopes.
Germany (+1000)
Germany, with odds of +1000, is always a threat in international competitions. Known for their tactical discipline and robust defensive play, the Germans have a history of success in women’s soccer. Their experienced squad and strong team cohesion could see them make a deep run in the tournament.
Germany shockingly failed to qualify for the 2020 games in Tokyo after winning the gold in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. Before failing to qualify again in 2012, Germany secured 3 consecutive bronze medals between 2000 and 2008. This is easily one of the most successful sides in the history of women’s Olympic soccer.
Perhaps equally as shocking as their failure to qualify in 2020 was the fact that they were ousted in the group stage at the 2023 World Cup. Germany was the betting favorite heading into that competition, and their early dismissal forced a coaching change. Out went Martina Voss-Tecklenburg after just 6 months on the job. In came Horst Hrubesch, who will coach the team this summer after securing Olympic qualification.
Despite the team’s decorated history, this side looks a little unsettled heading into Paris.
Brazil (+1000)
Brazil also comes in at +1000. With a history of producing some of the world’s best players, Brazil’s women’s team is known for their flair and attacking talent. If they can find consistency in their play, they are capable of challenging for the top spot on the podium.
It’s a soccer competition, so Brazil have to be taken seriously as a contender, right? Tough to tell. Brazil failed to survive the group stage at the World Cup for the first time last year, and Pia Sundhage was replaced on the sidelines by Arthur Elias. Elias guided Brazil to the W Gold Cup final earlier this year, so perhaps things are trending in the right direction.
Brazil typically have little trouble beating lesser foes, but they’ll have to test their mettle against more talented sides. Group C, which also features Japan, Nigeria, and Spain, is easily the toughest in the competition.
Canada (+1400)
Canada is listed at +1400. The reigning Olympic gold medalists will be looking to defend their title with a squad that combines veteran leadership and youthful energy. Known for their physical style and strong defensive play, Canada should not be underestimated.
It’s a little shocking to see the reigning champions listed as such massive long-shots to repeat the feat this summer. Frankly, this just looks like a mispricing. They were shockingly tossed from the 2023 World Cup in the group stage, but they’ve bounced back impressively ever since. Canada’s only losses in 15 games since the World Cup were a pair of penalty shootout losses to the United States and a 1-0 setback vs. Brazil.
Canada should have enough to advance out of Group A. Once they do, their odds to win gold will improve considerably. At +1400, Canada is an extremely intriguing betting option.
Colombia (+2500)
Colombia, with odds of +2500, is considered a dark horse in the competition. They have shown potential in recent tournaments and have a squad capable of causing upsets. Their technical skills and flair could see them make a surprise run in the tournament.
The Colombian men’s side is one of the best in the world, and the women are steadily improving, too. Colombia advanced to the quarterfinals at the 2023 World Cup and gave England a very difficult game once they got there. The team took a step back at the Gold Cup earlier this year, but star attacker Mayra Ramirez missed that competition. She’ll be back this summer, which will make this a very dangerous team.
Colombia has appeared at the Olympics just twice before, in 2012 and 2016. They were beaten in the group stage both times.
Nigeria (+5000)
Nigeria is listed at +5000. As one of the stronger teams from Africa, Nigeria’s squad is known for their athleticism and determination. They will need to be at their best to compete with the top teams, but they have the potential to surprise.
The Super Falcons made a run to the round of 16 at the World Cup last summer. They won’t be intimidated by more talented foes, and this is one of the better defensive teams in the world. Like Colombia, Nigeria gave England a sweat in the knockout stages last year.
This team is better than their gold medal odds may indicate, but how are they supposed to get out of Group C? I doubt they’ll get dominated in any of their fixtures thanks to their excellent coaching and defensive gameplan, but I’m not sure they’ll be able to create enough in attack to top the superior teams they’ll see early on.
Zambia (+10000)
Zambia, with odds of +10000, is considered a long shot for the gold medal. They will need to rely on their teamwork and determination to make an impact in the tournament. This team also has quite a bit of star power, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a team with +10000 odds to take home the gold.
In fact, Zambia have the two most expensive players in the history of women’s soccer. Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda both made recent big-money moves to American clubs for nearly $1 million each. This team is relatively young in its soccer development, but they’re on the rise.
Zambia qualified for the Olympics for the first time at Tokyo 2020. They also made the World Cup for the first time last year, though they didn’t make it through the group phase.
New Zealand (+10000)
New Zealand is also listed at +10000. Known for their physicality and teamwork, they will need to be at their absolute best to compete with the stronger teams.
New Zealand’s win at last summer’s World Cup was their first-ever win at a major tournament. They’ve repeatedly qualified over the years, but they’ve struggled to make an impression once they get there.
This team benefits from playing in an incredibly weak federation in which Australia is the only legitimate powerhouse. Qualifying for the Olympics after playing teams like Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Samoa is hardly an impressive path.
Who Will Win the Gold Medal?
The USA is the favorite, though I think they’re awfully fragile. The Americans have more Olympic success than any other nation in the competition combined, but this isn’t the same Team USA we saw dominate for the majority of the last decade.
The rest of the world has caught up to them. Spain at +200 looks a bit silly considering they just won the World Cup last year. Australia and Canada are both going undervalued by oddsmakers, as well. Given the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the lack of a clear frontrunner, there are lots of interesting betting opportunities ahead of this event.
All things considered, when betting on these Olympics, I’m having a hard time passing on Spain at +200. A tough group could complicate their path, however. Australia (+900) offer lots of value considering they can likely avoid Spain until the latter stages of the tournament. If you’re looking for a major value, reigning gold medal winner Canada stands out at +1400.
Olympics Bet: Spain (+200)