A dream isn’t over until you fight for it. USMNT may have achieved what their recent seniors could not by qualifying for the Olympics after 16 years. Now, they go in as favorites against face Guinea in their ultimate game of the group stages of the 2024 Games in Paris. A win or a draw will see them through to the quarterfinals of the games, which looks more likely as they are not just ahead on the table in terms of goal difference.

On the other hand, a loss can give New Zealand a chance if they manage to hold on to France. Although they won’t be thinking too ahead, their opponent in the next round can worry them. Therefore, let’s take a look at who they may face in the quarterfinals.

The road for Marko Mitrovic’s team isn’t very complex. A win here will take them into the second spot if France wins against New Zealand. Subsequently, the runners-up of Group A face off with Group B winners, Morocco. However, if New Zealand beats France by a big margin, and the USA similarly triumphs today, they can even take the number one spot in Group A. Similarly, the winners of Group A will lock horns with the runners of Group B, Argentina Under23.

Nevertheless, the Stars and Stripes will be on their way to the knockout stages of the Olympics for the first time in 24 years. The last time they achieved it was in the Sydney Games in 2000 where they went even a step further reaching the semifinals and finishing fourth in the tournament. On that occasion, the path to the semifinals and the bronze medal game was different with the US competing against some challenging teams. And the journey in France is expected to be along similar lines.

Can USMNT make Paris their legend after an impressive start?

The USMNT Under-23s came into the tournament with a mission to reignite the nation’s passion following the senior team’s disappointing Copa America campaign at home this year. Despite their impressive run thus far, the young Americans are aiming for nothing short of a medal, preferably gold. Their semifinal opponent will be either Japan or Spain in case they make it.

While soccer superpowers like France and Argentina encounter in the other bracket, the USMNT, led by Mitrovic, hopes to capitalize on a potentially favorable draw and try to create history in Paris. Moreover, the squad has received an additional boost with attacking options from Djordje Mihailovic and others which will enhance their confidence going into the knockouts. But, after such a joyride, can they turn up with a medal for the first time in USMNT’s history? Let us know in the comments.