Uzbekistan’s maiden match at the Olympics couldn’t be any tougher as they face Spain who qualified by finishing runners-up in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Similarly, Uzbekistan’s qualification also came via the runners-up spot after they lost to Japan in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™.

Head coach Timur Kapadze has kept faith with 15 of the players that played in that tournament in April.

The presence of Eldor Shomurodov will give the White Wolves more firepower up front as they look to build towards a place in the knockout stage.

Venue: Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris

Kick-off: Wednesday, 15:00 (UTC+2)

Set to make their third appearance at the Olympics, Iraq will be on a mission to match their wonderful Athens 2004 run where they reached the semi-finals only to be denied a place in the final by Paraguay.

Radhi Shenaishil has talented players in his ranks, not least the mercurial Ali Jasim who is expected to dovetail with former club compatriot Aymen Hussein. 

Ukraine booked their Paris 2024 ticket by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and they are bolstered by the presence of centre-back Maksym Talovyerov, who was also part of the senior squad at Euro 2024.

Venue: Lyon Stadium, Lyon

Kick-off: Wednesday, 19:00 (UTC+2)

Japan warmed up for their opening match with a 1-1 draw against France in a friendly on Thursday which saw Joel Fujita opening the scoring in the 27th minute before Michael Olise equalised at the start of the second half.

When they hosted the 2020 Olympics, Japan were perfect in the group stage, winning all three matches to book their place in the quarter-finals and head coach Go Oiwa will be eyeing a similar run.

However, the threat of Paraguay cannot be overlooked as Carlos Jara Saguier’s side topped the qualifying campaign in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament ahead of the likes of former gold medallists Argentina and Brazil.

Venue: Bordeaux Stadium, Bordeaux

Kick-off: Wednesday, 19:00 (UTC+2)