The football tournaments at the Olympic Games are always intriguing to watch. Paris 2024 promises to be a magnificent spectacle for both the men and women.

( MORE: Watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Football )

From the USMNT and USWNT returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2008, to superstars being called up and stadiums across France hosting matches leading up to the finals in Paris, there’s so much to keep an eye on this summer.

( MORE: Full schedule for the Paris 2024 Olympic football tournament )

Here’s everything you need to know.

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How will Olympic football work during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

The women’s football tournament features 12 teams divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, plus the top two third-place teams, advance to the knockout rounds. Quarter-finals and semi-finals are then played, with the losers of the semi-finals meeting in the bronze medal match and the winners of the semi-finals meeting in the gold medal match.

The men’s tournament has 16 teams with four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, with the losers of the semi-finals meeting in the bronze medal match and the winners of the semi-finals meeting in the gold medal match.

How many teams will qualify for the group stage of the Olympic football tournament in Paris in 2024?

12 teams have qualified for the group stage of the women’s football tournament. They are:

Group A: France, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand
Group B: USWNT, Zambia, Germany, Australia
Group C: Spain, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil

16 teams have qualified for the group stage of the men’s football tournament. They are:

Group A: France, USA, Guinea, New Zealand
Group B: Argentina, Morocco, Iraq, Ukraine
Group C: Uzbekistan, Spain, Egypt, Dominican Republic
Group D: Japan, Paraguay, Mali, Israel

Who are the favourites to win Olympic gold in football at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris?

For the women’s tournament, the USWNT is the favorite, but is closely followed by reigning world champion Spain and host France. For the men’s soccer tournament, host France (coached by Thierry Henry), plus reigning European champion Spain and South American and world champion Argentina, are the favorites.

Where is the football stadium for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris?

The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris will host the finals of both tournaments. The women’s final will take place on Saturday, August 10 at 11:00 ET. The men’s final will take place on Friday, August 9 at 12:00 ET.

Who are the best football players at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

Unlike the men’s tournament, there is no age limit for the women’s tournament, so you can look forward to seeing matches from all the top players in the world, including: Lindsey Horan (USA and Lyon), Trinity Rodman (USA and Washington Spirit), Rose Lavelle (USA and NJ/NY Gotham), Mallory Swanson (USA and Chicago Red Stars), Hayley Raso (Australia and Real Madrid), Marta (Brazil and Orlando Pride), Wendie Renard (France and Lyon), Eugenie Le Sommer (France and Lyon), Amandine Henry (France and Utah Royals), Lena Oberdorf (Germany and Wolfsburg), Alexandra Popp (Germany and Wolfsburg), Alexia Putellas (Spain and Barcelona), Mariona Caldentey (Spain and Arsenal), Aitana Bonmati (Spain and Barcelona), Jennifer Hermoso (Spain and Tigres) and Salma Paralluelo (Spain and Barcelona).

As mentioned, there is an age limit for the men’s tournament, as players must be under 23 years old. So players born on or after January 1, 2001 are eligible. However, each country is allowed to select three over-age players.

Below are some of the top players from the men’s tournament who will be competing at the Olympics:

• Julian Alvarez (Argentina and Manchester City)
• Rayan Cherki (France and Lyon)
• Pau Cubarsi (Spain and Barcelona)
• Mohamed Elneny (Egypt and former Arsenal)
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain)
• Alexandre Lacazette (France and Lyon)
• Fermin Lopez (Spain and Barcelona)
• Castello Lukeba (France and RB Leipzig)
• Jean-Phillipe Mateta (France and Crystal Palace)
• Michael Olise (France and Bayern Munich)
• Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina and Benfica)
• Gaga Slonina (US and Chelsea)

Which cities will host football at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

The following cities and stadiums will host football matches during the 2024 Olympic Games:

Bordeaux – Stade de Bordeaux, capacity 42,115
Lyon – Stade de Lyon, capacity 59,186
Marseille – Stade de Marseille, capacity 67,394
Nantes – Stade de la Beaujoire, capacity 35,322
Nice – Stade de Nice, capacity 36,178
Paris – Parc des Princes, capacity 47,929 (to accommodate both finals)
Saint-Etienne – Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, capacity 41,965