The women’s and men’s soccer tournaments begin on NBCOlympics.com even before Friday’s Opening Ceremony, and the storylines are abundant.
MORE: Full Olympic soccer schedule
Sweden and South Africa kick off the women’s tournament at Noon EDT on Wednesday, with Team USA opening its run at 6 p.m. EDT against a strong New Zealand side.
The men begin Thursday at Noon EDT with Iraq facing Denmark.
Will Neymar help Brazil make amends for its poor Copa America Centenario?
The world superstar is here in Rio thanks to an agreement between Brazil and his club, Barcelona, which allowed him to suit up for the Olympics in exchange for his staying home from the Copa America Centenario.