14:52
Friday | July 18

Football and the Olympics has always made for an odd fit - it is effectively a development event for national teams embedded in the greatest sporting show of all.

And while hosts France, coached by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, are the favourites for glory at Parc des Princes, they are likely to face a stiff challenge from Argentina and Spain.

Guinea, Uzbekistan and Iraq are among the 16 to have qualified with a simple format of four groups with the top two progressing to quarter-finals. The opening ceremony may not be until Friday night but owing to time constraints the football kicks off this morning - and every game will be broadcast live on discovery+.

Teams are nominally under-23 sides but coaches are allowed to include three older players in their squads. And despite clubs kicking up a fuss about releasing star players for the tournament because they will miss the entirety of pre-season, there are a bunch of familiar names from the Premier League set to shine.

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Jean-Philippe Mateta - France

The Crystal Palace striker has been named as one of three overage players by Henry, along with former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette and defender Loic Bade.

Michael Olise, who recently left Palace for Bayern Munich, and Desire Doue, a transfer target for several English clubs, are also in the squad.

Alex Paulsen - New Zealand

Young Bournemouth stopper has been given the No1 shirt by English-born coach Darren Bazeley.

Henry Gray - New Zealand

The teenage Ipswich goalkeeper has been named as a reserve for his country, who are also in group A with France, Guinea and United States.

Gabriel Slonina - United States

Chelsea goalkeeper, who will spend the season on loan at Belgian club Eupen, is expected to play a role for the Americans.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring a goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on May 11, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images) Jean-Philippe Mateta will miss the start of Crystal Palace's season. ( Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Julian Alvarez - Argentina

The Manchester City forward is being tipped to have a huge influence on the tournament for a squad that will be captained by veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi but was blocked from including Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Boubacar Traore - Mali

Wolves central midfielder will be key to the hopes of the African nation in Group D, where all four teams have a chance of progressing.

Enso Gonzalez - Paraguay

Another Wolves player, though he only made one league appearance last season, who could get a starting spot out wide for unpredictable South Americans.

Julio Enciso - Paraguay

And they also have a Brighton talent to call upon. He missed a lot of last season owing to a long-term knee injury but is fit and could be one of this tournament’s stars.

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Olympics souvenir edition

The Daily Mirror's ultimate unofficial guide to the Games includes exclusive interviews with some of our leading medal contenders, world record holders and reigning champions.

Our brilliant day-by-day rundown tells you what's on when, what you can't miss, the expected star of the day and the Brit with the best chance of a medal.

The souvenir edition hits the shelves on July 17 but is available for pre-order right now from our shop and is priced at £3.99.

Get your copy right here.

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