The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to begin, with over 10,000 elite athletes from 206 nations converging on the French capital for the world’s premier sporting event. Running from July 24 to August 11, the Games promise thrilling competition across a wide range of disciplines. Here’s what to expect on the opening day, July 24, as football and rugby sevens take center stage.
Key Highlights:
- 206 countries participating
- Olympic Village welcomes over 10,000 athletes
- Football and rugby sevens competitions begin before the official opening ceremony
Football: Olympic Dreams Begin on the Pitch
- Argentina vs. Morocco (3 pm GMT+2, Group B)
- Watch for: Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) and Nicolas Otamendi leading Argentina
- Morocco aims to upset the South American favorites
- Uzbekistan vs. Spain (3 pm GMT+2, Group C)
- Spain, 2021 finalists, among tournament favorites
- Rising star: Pau Cubarsi, 17-year-old Barcelona defender
- France vs. USA (9 pm GMT+2, Group A)
- Host nation France coached by Thierry Henry
- French attack features Michael Olise, Alexandre Lacazette, and Jean-Philippe Mateta
Rugby Sevens: Fast-Paced Action Kicks Off
- Australia vs. Samoa (3:30 pm GMT+2, Group B)
- Opening match of the rugby sevens tournament
- Both teams play twice on Day 1
- France vs. USA (Time TBC, Group C)
- Host nation debuts at Stade de France
- Spotlight on Antoine Dupont, 2021 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
- Fiji vs. Uruguay (5 pm GMT+2, Group C)
- Two-time defending gold medalists Fiji face Olympic debutants Uruguay
- Fiji aims for a three-peat after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 victories
The Paris 2024 Olympics promise an exciting start with these compelling matchups in football and rugby sevens. As the world’s attention turns to Paris, Day 1 sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic Games.
Stay tuned for more updates and results as the Paris 2024 Olympics unfold.
