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Gill Clark

Explained: Why Team USA's soccer teams won't attend 2024 Olympics opening ceremony as LeBron James and Coco Gauff prepare to carry the flag in Paris

Team USA's soccer teams won't take part in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, with LeBron James and Coco Gauff the official flag bearers.

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  • Opening ceremony for Paris Games taking place on Friday
  • U.S. Soccer teams already in action
  • LeBron James and Coco Gauff will be flag bearers

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Excitement is building in France as the 2024 Paris Olympics will officially open on Friday with a glitzy ceremony in the capital. The ceremony actually takes place outside a stadium, for the first time ever, as athletes will feature in a river parade featuring over 100 boats cruising down the Seine. The parade will pass famous landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Louvre before finishing near the Eiffel Tower where the Olympic cauldron will be lit and the Games officially opened.

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  • Marko Mitrovic USMNT 2024Getty Images

    THE EXPLANATION

    There will be no sign of Team USA's soccer sides at the ceremony as they will have already started their Olympic campaigns. The USMNT kick off againsthosts France in Marseille on Wednesday, while the USWNT play a day later against Zambia in Nice.

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    NBA star James has been chosen to be Team USA's male flagbearer for the opening ceremony for the Paris Games as he takes part in his fourth Olympics. He's already spoken of his pride at the decision: “It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together. For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my home town, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

    James will be joined by tennis star Coco Gauff who will be the women's flag bearer and the first tennis star to be handed the honour by Team USA.

  • Hayes USWNT GFXGetty/GOAL

    WHAT NEXT FOR TEAM USA

    The USMNT face a tough opener against red-hot favourites France who will be coached by Thierry Henry. After that, it's games against New Zealand and Guinea for a spot in the knockout rounds. For the USWNT, much will be expected from Emma Hayes's side, particularly after disappointment at World Cup 2023. The team also face Germany and Australia and will be hoping for gold in Hayes's debut tournament.

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