In an eagerly anticipated matchup, the U.S. Olympic Men's Soccer Team is gearing up to take on France in their opening match of the 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer Tournament. The game will be held at Stade de Marseille in Marseille, France, with a kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on USA Network, Telemundo, and Peacock.

Tonight's starting lineup for the U.S. team features 11 players who will be making their Olympic debut. The average age of the starting XI is 23 years and 347 days, highlighting the youthful talent that the team brings to the tournament. However, three overage players have been included in the lineup: Djordje Mihailovic (25), Miles Robinson (27), and Walker Zimmerman (31), adding experience to the squad.

It's been a long wait for the U.S. Men's Soccer Team, as their last Olympic appearance took place over 5,800 days ago in the group stage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria. This young and ambitious team aims to make a mark on the Olympic stage and put an end to the drought.

Several players in the starting lineup have already gained experience playing together. Paxten Aaronson, Gianluca Busio, Duncan McGuire, Kevin Paredes, Patrick Schulte, Tanner Tessmann, and John Tolkin all started in the team's 2-2 draw against France on March 26. Tessmann, in particular, will lead the team as the captain tonight, marking his fifth time wearing the armband during this cycle of matches.

All 11 players in the starting lineup have either played in Major League Soccer (MLS) or have developed within an MLS academy. These players have represented various MLS clubs, with some having also spent time in MLS Next outfits. Their experience within the league showcases the growth and development of soccer talent in the United States.

The defensive duo of Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman, who have played together nine times for the senior USMNT, will once again pair up in central defense. Their remarkable record of 7 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in official competitions offers a glimpse into their defensive prowess. Additionally, midfielders Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessmann have played together in Italy for Venezia, playing a crucial role in the team's promotion to Serie A during the 2023-24 season.

This match will mark the first-ever meeting between the U.S. and France at the Olympic Games. The U.S. team has a track record of 4 wins, 3 losses, and 5 draws in the group stage since the introduction of the Under-23 rule in 1992. They have displayed resilience in recent group stage matches, with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws in their last eight encounters.

As the U.S. Olympic Men's Soccer Team kicks off its campaign in the 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer Tournament, all eyes will be on their clash against France. The young talent, blended with the experience of their overage players, aims to make a memorable statement and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.