There's drama on and off the soccer field ahead of a highly-anticipated match at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Canada will face France on Sunday, July 28 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne without head coach Bev Priestman, after she was sent home by Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the spying controversy worsens.
Initially, it was just a couple of Canadian national team staffers who were caught operating a drone to watch the practice of New Zealand, Canada's round one opponent, but now that it's involving Priestman, it will be tough for Canada's players to stay focused.
Canada needed two second half goals to come back to defeat New Zealand, 2-1, while France held on for a 3-2 win over Colombia in the first round.
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 Canada vs. France kick off?
This 2024 Olympics group stage match takes place at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, France and kicks off on Sunday, July 28 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across North America:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Jul. 28 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Jul. 28 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Jul. 28 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Jul. 28 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Alaska ST | Sun, Jul. 28 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Hawaii ST | Sun, Jul. 28 | 9:00 a.m. |
Canada vs. France soccer live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this 2024 Olympics group stage match in the U.S.:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | - | NBC Sports app/website, Peacock |
| Canada | CBC | CBC Sports App |
USA: This game is not available for live broadcast on TV. Streaming options are available on Peacock, while fans can also watch the match on the NBC Sports app.
Canada: This match is available to view on the CBC, with live streaming for Canadian fans on the CBC Sports app.
Canada vs. France lineups, team news
Forward Jordyn Huitema and midfielder Janine Beckie both came off the bench in the second half for Canada last match, so theoretically both could be inserted into the starting lineup against the stronger side, France. However, with the departure of Priestman from the camp and all the questions surrounding the spying, there are a lot of unknowns.
Kadeisha Buchanan picked up a yellow card against New Zealand and is in danger of picking up her second yellow card, which would rule her out of the next match.
Canada starting XI (3-4-3, right to left): Sheridan (GK) — Zadorsky, Gilles, Buchanan — Lawrence, Fleming, Beckie, Awujo — Huitema, Leon, Lacasse.
A Marie-Antoinette Katoto brace and Kenza Dali goal put France three goals up before half-time last time out and you can expect to see the pair starting again against Canada.
France starting XI (4-4-2 right to left): Peyraud-Magnin (GK) — Lakrar, Renard, Nka, Karchaoui — Toletti, Dali, Henry — Le Sommer, Katoto, Cascarino.
Canada vs. France prediction
With everything going on off the field for Canada and their coach being sent home, the Canucks will have their mind on everything but the game. France should be focused and have the talent and history to take this game to Canada and win.
Prediction: France 2-0 Canada
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