Men’s football is a normal feature of each and every edition of the Olympic Games, 1896 and 1932.
As the 2024 Olympics begin in Paris, Al Jazeera tells you everything you want to know about the men’s football event:
A total of 16 countries have qualified for the men’s category at Paris 2024.
Unlike the women’s soccer tournament, which is a full senior points tournament, the men’s Olympic soccer tournament is reserved for players 23 years old, with a maximum of 3 adult players allowed.
The 16 men’s organizations are divided into 4 organizations of 4 organizations. The two best in organization advance to the quarterfinals and then the semifinals. The winners of the semi-finals play each other in the gold medal match, while the losers play in the bronze medal match.
With a combination of emerging skill and experienced players, hosts France are the leading contender for the Paris Games. Led by Thierry Henry, France will win its second Olympic gold medal, after its first victory at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
Two-time gold medallists Argentina also have a team with Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez and Major League Soccer (MLS) midfielder sensation Thiago Almada.
Spain is among the favorites, with Euro 2024 players Fermín López and Alex Baena representing their countries at the Olympic Games.
Other wonderful players at the Paris Olympics include French players Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette, Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi and Guinea’s Naby Keita.
The men’s matches will be played in seven stadiums in France.
If at the end of the general playing time there is a tie, an extra time of two and fifteen minutes each will be played. If the tie persists, the adjustment will be through penalties.
Participating countries can form a team of 18 players, totaling a maximum of 3 main players. They are also allowed to call up 4 substitute players.
Hungary and Great Britain have won the most gold medals (3) in men’s football at the Olympic Games, while Brazil, Argentina, the former Soviet Union and Uruguay have won about twice.
Brazil has the most medals (seven), adding consecutive gold medals in 2020 and 2016. However, the Brazilians will protect their name at the Paris Games after failing to qualify for the first time since 2004.
You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Paris 2024 Olympics tournament page with all the news and features, as well as event build-up and live text watching on decided football, basketball, tennis and boxing matches .