The United States and Brazil have both had notable success at the Olympic Games, with the U.S. leading in gold and total medal counts. The U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) has won four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, while Brazil has garnered two silver medals from losses in gold medal matches against the U.S.
This year’s final at Parc des Princes marks the third Olympic gold medal match between the U.S. and Brazil. Their earlier encounters include the Athens 2004 final, where the U.S. initially took the lead with a goal from Lindsay Tarpley before Brazil equalized, leading to extra time. The U.S. clinched the win with a header from Abby Wambach. They faced each other again in the Beijing 2008 final, where the U.S. again triumphed, this time thanks to Carli Lloyd’s goal in overtime.
The highly anticipated rematch will tie the matchup between the U.S. and Japan for the most occurrences in women’s soccer world championship finals. This will also be the seventh knockout round meeting between the U.S. and Brazil in major tournaments, showcasing a storied rivalry; the U.S. leads, having won four out of the six previous knockout encounters.
The Olympic final signifies the 41st meeting between the two sides and the second this year, with the U.S. holding an impressive record of 32 wins, 3 losses, and 5 draws. The U.S. has claimed victory in the last seven meetings, with recent matches often closely contested, as nine of the last ten encounters have been decided by two goals or fewer.
In the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup final held on March 10, the U.S. edged Brazil 1-0, with a late header by Lindsey Horan securing the victory. Many players from that match are part of the current Olympic roster, including Emily Fox, who assisted the winning goal.
The last competitive meeting before the Gold Cup came during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals, where the U.S. emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout after a dramatic game against Brazil.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the U.S. attack has been energized by a trio of young forwards known as “Triple Espresso”: 22-year-old Rodman, 23-year-old Smith, and 26-year-old Swanson. They have collectively netted nine of the team’s eleven goals at the tournament and have been crucial in advancing the U.S. to the final.
Swanson is poised to earn her 100th international cap in the gold medal match, joining an elite group within the USWNT. She made her debut in 2016 and marked significant milestones, including scoring in her first Olympics and being inducted into the top ranks of the team’s goal and assist records.
Having established a strong presence in France, the U.S. team is on a remarkable winning streak in the country, showcasing impressive performances, especially at Parc des Princes, where they have won significant matches during the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics.
Since taking over as head coach in May, Emma Hayes has successfully led the squad to an unbeaten start, hoping to continue this streak in her first major tournament with the team.
As the teams prepare for the final, Brazil, currently ranked 9th in the FIFA World Rankings, has made eight Olympic appearances, with their best finishes resulting in silver medals. Their roster includes a mix of seasoned and emerging talent, aiming to claim their first Olympic gold.
This match promises to be an exciting chapter in the storied rivalry between the U.S. and Brazil, as both teams seek to add to their legacies in women’s soccer.