USWNT returns to Paris Olympics 2024 action for closing their group stages on Wednesday. Emma Hayes’ side will be facing their last Group B rivals Australia at Stade de Marseille. The American ladies have been dominant in the tournament so far, winning 3-0 against Zambia in the opening fixture and then thrashing Germany 4-1.

Though the first two victories already saw them get the ticket to the quarterfinals, they are eying their third consecutive win to end the group stages with perfect all wins. Meanwhile, Aussies’ journey in the Olympics remains at risk. Though the Matildas are coming with a close 6-5 victory over Zambia, they lost the opening match 3-0 against Germany.

This keeps them in third place tied alongside Germany with three points but have a -2 goal difference. Most likely, the Germans are favorites to win against Zambia and so are the USWNT against Australia. However, a miracle may see the Matildas progress through the quarters.

USWNT vs Australia: Team news and injury updates

USWNT

Concerns were raised mostly on Sophia Smith, who was surprisingly substituted within the first half during the Zambia clash due to a reported ankle clash. However, the 23-year-old returned to training before the Germany clash and even played the game for 85 minutes. However, tension remains regarding Tierna Davidson, who was subbed off in the previous fixture just before halftime.

Likewise, there are no key updates about Jaedyn Shaw’s condition. The talented 19-year-old sustained a leg injury before the Olympics started and was subsequently removed from the roster for the opening game. Emma Hayes has disclosed that the San Diego Wave star is still not back in training. As a result, she will also miss the Australia match. Croix Bethune will replace her, just as she did in the games against Zambia and Germany.

Australia

Australia doesn’t have much to fear. They can expect a fit roster to face Emma Hayes and Co. Similarly, the likes of Steph Catley, Michelle Hayman, and Ngambo Musole would be available at Tony Gustavsson’s disposal.

Predicted Starting Lineups

USWNT starting XI (4-3-3): Naeher; Fox, Girma, Davidson, Dunn; Lavelle, Horan, Coffey; Rodman, Smith, Swanson

Australia starting XI (4-4-1-1): Arnold; Kennedy, Hunt, Catley, Carpenter, Foord, Cooney-Cross, van Egmond, Fowler, Raso, Foord

Head-to-Head stats and prediction

Total matches played: 6

Won by USWNT: 3

Won by Australia: 0

Draw: 3

This match holds maximum importance for Australia as their quarterfinal hopes rest on defeating the 4x Olympians. Meanwhile, for USWNT, the clash doesn’t hold much importance as they are closer than ever to the knockout stages. However, that doesn’t mean Hayes and Co. would lose the match to favor the Matildas. We reckon the match will be a draw with the score being USWNT 1-1 Australia.

How to watch the USWNT vs Australia Paris Olympics on TV & live stream in the USA, UK & Other Countries?

USWNT vs Australia kicks off at 7 p.m. local / 1 p.m. ET on July 31. Fans can catch the action live on USA and Telemundo TV channels. They can also stream the game live on Peacock.