USMNT reaches Olympics quarterfinals for first time since 2000

July 30, 2024

The U.S. men’s soccer team rebounded strongly from its opening loss to France with two straight decisive victories to advance to the quarterfinals at the Olympics for the first time in 24 years.

The Americans’ 3-0 victory Tuesday over Guinea gave them a second-place finish in Group A in its first Olympic appearance since 2008 in Beijing.

The win puts Team USA in the Elite 8 knockout stage — where they will face Morocco on Friday — for the first time since 2000 in Sydney and for only the second time overall since the current format was introduced at Rome in 1960.

Kevin Paredes #7 of the United States celebrates scoring with teammates during the first half against Guinea in the Olympics on July 30, 2024. Getty Images

Djordje Mihailovic #14 of the United States celebrates scoring with John Tolkin #5 during the first half against Guinea at the Olympics on July 30, 2024. Getty Images

Djordje Mihailovic buried a free kick from just outside the penalty box in the 15th minute and Kevin Paredes scored later in the first half for his first of two goals in the match for Team USA, which also had posted a 4-1 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.