South American Olympic men’s football qualifier: Preview, full schedule and how to watch live
Check out our ultimate guide to watch South American qualifying for Paris 2024, including the complete groups, full schedule and kick-off times, and details on how to watch action from Venezuela across January and February.
Football
The 2024 edition of the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament – South America's men's football Olympic qualifiers – begins this weekend, with two spots at Paris 2024 Olympic Games up for grabs.
Some of the continent's best Under-23 talents will gather in Venezuela between 20 January and 11 February in a bid to book their spot at the Games this summer.
Highly touted 17-year-old Brazil forward Endrick is among those in action in the qualifiers, and is one of Brazil's brightest hopes for making it. The striker is already on the road to stardom, set to join Real Madrid this summer which speaks volumes to how highly the teenager is regarded.
Argentinian midfielder Thiago Almada will also descend on Venezuela with his homeland. The 22-year-old plays his football Stateside with Atlanta, is a creative cog for club and country, and is likely to have a starring role if the South Americans head to France.
Midfielder Diego Gomez could be a pivotal figure in Paraguay's hopes of qualifying. They are missing a handful of star names such as Julio Enciso and Hugo Cuenca after their respective clubs did not want to lose them mid-season, so it will be up to Gomez and his teammates to step up in their absence.
The top two from each group of five teams will advance to the final group stage to determine the pair who will play in France.
Should they book an Olympic berth, the teams will have the chance to add three star-studded senior names to their roster.
As the qualifying tournament edges closer, here is your complete guide to this year’s edition.
South American Olympic qualifiers: The complete draw
South American Olympic Qualifiers 2024: Full schedule
The tournament begins at Estadio Brigido Iriarte in Caracas, where Ecuador take on Colombia before hosts Venezuela face Bolivia.
The winners and runners-up in each group will advance to the final stage, from which the top two will qualify for Paris 2024.
South American Olympic Qualifiers 2024: How to watch live
There are several ways to watch action live from Venezuela, with an action-packed month ahead.
Games can be watched across South America on DirecTV and selected domestic broadcasters, while fans in the United States can watch via FuboTV and Fox Sports.
Fox in particular will air fixtures Fox 1 and 2, on Foxsports.com, and in the FOX Sports app.