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.
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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
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has a couple of key decisions to make. There is a ton of talent and versatility in the front-three positions, with Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Crystal Dunn, and Lynn Williams all available for selection. Finding the right players to get the U.S. off to a great start will be crucial.
Additionally, who will partner Naomi Girma in central defense is an open question. Will it be Tierna Davidson or Emily Sonnett?
USWNT predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Naeher (GK) — Fox, Girma, Davidson, Nighswonger — Coffey, Horan, Lavelle — Rodman, Smith, Swanson.
This is Zambia’s second consecutive Olympics appearance, and after their first World Cup win in 2023, the Copper Queens look set to make a big impact in France. Barbra Banda is one of the top strikers in the world, and Grace Chanda plies her trade in Spain with Madrid CFF.
Zambia predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Musole (GK) — Siamfuko, Zulu, Tembo, Mweemba — Chilufya, Chanda, Wilombe — Kundananji, Banda, Nachula.
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
