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Sophia Smith of USA women at the 2024 Olympics
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The U.S. Women's National Team can clinch the top spot in Group B in the final matchday of the 2024 Summer Olympics group stage. 

Emma Hayes and the U.S. take on Australia at the Stade de Marseille on Wednesday July 31, and Hayes has some big decisions to make. Tierna Davidson and Jaedyn Shaw have both been ruled out with injury, and Hayes has to determine whether she will rest the amazing front three of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman ahead of the quarterfinals. The trio have combined for six goals and three assists through the USA's first two matches. 

The U.S. beat Zambia, 3-0, and then dominated Germany, 4-1, to qualify for the knockout stage. 

Australia meanwhile needs a draw or win to qualify for the next round past 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.

LIVE BLOG: Follow along with updates, highlights, and commentary as the US women face Australia

What time does USWNT vs. Australia kick off?

This 2024 Olympics group stage match takes place at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille, France and kicks off on Tuesday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across the US:

 DateKickoff time
Eastern TimeWed, Jul. 311:00 p.m.
Central TimeWed, Jul. 3112:00 p.m. 
Mountain TimeWed, Jul. 3111:00 a.m.
Pacific TimeWed, Jul. 3110:00 a.m.
Alaska STWed, Jul. 319:00 a.m. 
Hawaii STWed, Jul. 317:00 a.m.

MORE: Football at Olympics 2024: Schedule, matches, bracket, draw for men’s and women’s soccer in summer Paris Games

USWNT vs. Australia live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this 2024 Olympics match in the U.S.:

RegionTVStreaming
USAE!Fubo, NBC Sports app/website, Peacock

USA: This game is available for live broadcast on E!. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which offers a FREE trial to new subscribers, and Peacock. Fans can also watch the match on the NBC Sports app. 

USWNT vs. Australia lineups, team news

The biggest question for the United States in the run-up to this match was the fitness of Tierna Davidson who was withdrawn late in the first half of the win over Germany. The USWNT defender was taken off after suffering a knee contusion, and will miss the game, US Soccer confirmed.

The center-back depth for the USWNT behind Davidson is thin. Emily Sonnett is the replacement alongside Naomi Girma, while uncapped alternate Emily Sams is the only other natural center-back on the roster.

Jaedyn Shaw will also remain out, having missed all group matches due to a leg injury suffered in training. Cat Macario is not with the team in France after withdrawing from the squad before the tournament due to a flare-up of her knee issues.

MORE: USWNT player grades vs. Zambia

USA starting lineup (4-3-3): Naeher (GK) — Fox, Girma, Sonnett, Dunn — Lavelle, Coffey, Horan — Rodman, S. Smith, Swanson.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has no known new injuries to worry about as of now but remains without superstar Sam Kerr who is sidelined long-term with an ACL tear.

Matildas winger Cortnee Vine started the first match against Germany and played an hour but was benched for the shootout against Zambia. Against the United States, Gustavsson has also sent forward Emily van Egmond to the bench in favor of an extra defender in Kaitlyn Torpey to try and shore up the defensive issues.

Australia starting lineup (5-4-1): Arnold (GK) — Carpenter, Kennedy, Hunt, Catley, Torpey — Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord — Fowler.

USWNT vs. Australia prediction

The U.S. has already qualified for the knockout round but will be looking to finish in the top spot to ensure an easier quarterfinal round opponent. Expect Emma Hayes to play her three stars up top — Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman — even if they all come off at halftime if the U.S. has a comfortable lead. Australia continues to miss the talent of Sam Kerr. 

Prediction: USWNT 3-1 Australia

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Author(s)
Daniel Karell Photo

 

Daniel is a freelance soccer writer for The Sporting News. Before joining TSN, Dan covered soccer at home and abroad for 8 years between SBI Soccer and NBC's Pro Soccer Talk. Dan's also worked as a full-time news and sports journalist and as a UX copywriter for two Fortune 50 firms. In his free time (if he has any), Dan enjoys relaxing with his wife, playing with his two kids, and walking his 8-year-old Olde English Bulldogge (yes, that's how it is spelled).