The United States men’s Olympic team roster has been officially announced by manager Marko Mitrović, featuring some key players from various clubs. Among the notable names are Djordje Mihailovic, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman, who have been chosen as the three overage players for the tournament. The rest of the squad is made up of players born on or after Jan. 1, 2001. This selection marks the return of the U.S. men’s team to the Olympics after a long absence since 2008.
Club Representation
The roster also includes players like Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessmann, who have played crucial roles in their respective clubs, including helping Venezia secure promotion to Italy’s Serie A. However, due to the non-FIFA nature of the Olympics, club teams are not obligated to release players for the tournament, leading to the absence of many USMNT players who competed in the Copa América recently. This restriction posed a challenge for Mitrović in assembling the team.
Despite the limitations, 15 out of the 18 selected players have had prior experience with the full U.S. men’s national team, with Walker Zimmerman standing out with 42 appearances under his belt. Most of the players are currently playing in MLS clubs, with a few based in Europe. The last U.S. team that participated in the Olympics in 2008 was led by notable players like Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, narrowly missing out on a medal finish.
Qualification and Tournament Details
The U.S. men’s team secured their qualification for the Olympics by winning the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship. Their upcoming group stage matches in Marseille include games against France, New Zealand, and Guinea. If they progress to the medal round, the quarterfinals will be played in either Paris or Bordeaux, followed by the semifinals in Marseille and Décines-Charpieu. The final will be held in Paris on Aug. 9, with the bronze medal match set for Nantes a day earlier.
To prepare for the Games, the U.S. team will train in Bordeaux at the facilities of Ligue 2 side Bordeaux from July 9-20 before shifting to Marseille ahead of their first match. This training period will be crucial for the team to build chemistry and adapt to the playing conditions in France. The players will need to be at their best to compete against strong opposition and make a mark in the tournament.
With the roster now finalized and the team gearing up for the challenges ahead, expectations are high for the U.S. men’s Olympic team. Fans will be eagerly anticipating their performances and hoping for a successful campaign in Paris. The players have a chance to showcase their talent on a global stage and make their mark in the history of American soccer.