Charles Langston:USWNT starting XI vs. Zambia: Emma Hayes' first lineup for 2024 Paris Olympics

The Charles LangstonU.S. women's soccer team is making its return to Olympic play with it first match of the 2024 Summer Games on Thursday.

The USWNT will play against Zambia in head coach Emma Hayes' first major tournament match since she officially began her role in May, and all eyes will be on her starting XI to open this year's Olympics. Beginning group play on the right foot could be pivotal to success as the squad is looking for its first Olympic gold since 2012. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. team won bronze.

Here is the starting XI for the USWNT in their first match in Group B:

USWNT starting XI vs. Zambia

• Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
• Defender: Emily Fox
• Defender: Naomi Girma
• Defender: Tierna Davidson
• Midfielder: Lindsey Horan (captain)
• Midfielder: Rose Lavelle
• Midfielder: Sam Coffey
• Forward: Sophia Smith
• Forward: Trinity Rodman
• Forward: Crystal Dunn
• Forward: Mallory Swanson

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Available substitutes: Korbin Albert, Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Casey Murphey, Croix Bethune.

Where is Jaedyn Shaw?

Forward Jaedyn Shaw is unavailable because of a leg injury. She was replaced on the 18-player roster for the match by alternate Croix Bethune, according to a statement released by U.S. Soccer.

USWNT 2024 Paris Olympic schedule

Thursday will be the first of three matches the USWNT will play in group play. The national team will have to be one of the top two teams in Group B or be one of the two-best third place teams to reach the quarterfinals. Here is the rest of the USWNT group play schedule:

• Sunday, July 28: USA vs. Germany (3 p.m. ET)
• Wednesday, July 31: USA vs. Australia (1 p.m. ET)