Football fans will be treated to a summer full of international football this year. If they thought they were spoiled throughout the domestic seasons of many of the world’s top leagues, they haven’t seen anything yet.
Most will be aware of the 2024 European Championships and the 2024 Copa America taking place this summer, but with 2024 being an Olympic year, there is also the football tournament that takes place, too!
The Olympics is usually reserved for players of 23 years and under, as it gives them the chance to compete on one of the biggest stages and go for a gold medal. There are instances in which some players over the age of 23 could feature, due to the rules, but squads are mainly made up of those who are developing their craft and perhaps are handed a chance to take the next step up in terms of their international careers.
Of course, with the biggest nations already being represented in the two major international competitions, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we were to see a lack of senior star players on the pitches across France. Both finals will take place on July 15, and with just nine days between the end of those and the beginning of the Olympics, it’s unlikely to see many of the top players doing their things.
With that said, there will still likely be some quality individuals on show due to the nations that are set to compete at the tournament. The following 16 teams will be competing for the Gold Medal in the Men’s discipline:
- Argentina
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- France
- Guinea
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Mali
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Paraguay
- Spain
- Ukraine
- United States
- Uzbekistan
Given the size and footballing talent of the teams that are included in the upcoming competition, it’s no surprise that there have been sport betting markets made available for punters who wish to try and add more excitement to the event.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, France has been made the slight favorites to take the gold medal, having been priced at 9/4. This is just ahead of the odds Argentina have been provided, as the South Americans are valued at 13/5, with Spain at 11/4. Morocco (10/1) and Paraguay (20/1) round out the top five.
Aside from being the hosts of the 2024 Olympic Games, Les Bleus would have to be considered the favorites for the gold medal based on the quality of players they have available to them.
While the senior side will be competing at the 2024 European Championships, where they are among the main contenders to win in Germany, numerous players who have all the star quality that could be involved in the Olympics have been left out of the squad.
For many of the nations competing at the Olympic Games, it might depend on whether their Clubs allow them to go. With the event being held between 24 July and 10 August 2024, there might be some that may not want them to compete given that their domestic seasons would be just about to start.