When: August 4-20

How to Watch: All games will be broadcast on the NBC family of networks

Overview: Teams are comprised of players under 23 years of age, however, three players may be over that age threshold. Sixteen teams are placed into four groups and the top two teams in each group advance to the knockout stage. Due to the age requirement several teams consist of unknown players as well as players with very little experience. This allows for more parity in matches and often makes this tournament very difficult to predict.

Group A:

Brazil: Brazil is in a familiar position as host nation of a major international tournament and everyone remembers the disastrous end to their 2014 World Cup campaign. They come into this tournament as a favorite considering they have the best player in the tournament, Neymar, on their side. They also have relatively experienced young players on the squad with Barcelona midfielder, Rafinha and Paris Saint Germain defender, Marquinhos, who has made 75 appearances for the French side. Brazil will have no issue advancing to the group stage.

Denmark: The red and white come into these Olympics with a unknown roster with few players who play their club football outside of Denmark.. With a roster with no names of recognition there most interesting aspect is their coach Niels Frederiksen. Fredericksen worked at a bank until 2009 when the youth team he worked for part time rewarded him with a contract. In 2015 he became the Dens U-21 coach, unfortunately for him I don’t think Denmark will manage to escape the group stage in Rio.

Iraq: Continuing the theme of unknown teams, next up is the Iraqi side. Iraq, a stranger to international competition is competing in its first Olympic game since 2004 where they finished fourth. They will be captained by the most experienced player Saad Abdul- Amir who has found the back of the net once in his 55 appearances for his country.

South Africa: While South Africa is not known for its soccer history, I believe this Olympics will be different. Due to the relatively light group South Africa is in a good position to go through to the knockout stage by finishing second. Goalkeeping is their greatest strength heading into the tournament with Itumeleng Khune in net. Khune is most known for tripping Luis Suarez in the 2010 World Cup and receiving a red card. If Khune plays strong this South African side may turn a couple of heads in Brazil.

Group B

Colombia: The Colombians head into these games as the favorites to win Group B. Led by Teofilo Gutierrez who has scored 15 goals for his country, including one in the teams 2014 World Cup opener against Greece and Monterrey midfielder Dorlan Pabon, El Tricolor should be a lock to advance to knockout stages.

Japan: The Japanese are looking to improve on a fourth place finish from four years ago in London. While the Japanese are full of unknowns there is one player who should capture your attention. Takuma Asano, a talented 21 year old forward who recently signed with Arsenal is a young player who could flourish in the spotlight.

Nigeria: Just like a lot of teams in this tournament, the Super Eagles roster is filled with players who have yet to capture the public’s attention. That couldn’t be said for John Obi Mikel who has been with Chelsea since 2006. The 29 year old midfielder will be the catalyst for any Nigerian attacks, however, It won’t be enough and the Nigerians will be packing their bags after the group stage.

Sweden: The Swedes come into the tournament following a disappointing Euro 2016 that ended with star Zlatan Ibrahimovic announcing his retirement from the national side. With that being said, this roster is full of players who won the Euro Under 21 Championships last summer and I expect that success to continue with a second place finish in Group B.

Group C

Fiji: Fiji is by far the biggest underdog of the tournament. There chances of success are very similar to Iceland potential success prior to this year’s Euros. With only one player on the squad who plays their club football outside of Fiji, their chances of a Cinderella story seem doubtful.   

Germany: The Germans come into this tournament looking to groom there next stars. With no doubt the German young guns are extremely talented, but perhaps the most interesting story-line for them is they are led by two 27 years old twins, Sven and Lars Bender. Regardless of their inexperience Germany will go through to the knockout stages.

Mexico: The reigning gold medalists will be looking to defend their title in Rio this summer. They have an interesting balance of young stars as well as veteran leadership. The youth is well represented by Houston Dynamo forward Erick Torres, whose quick pace will allow him to combine with veteran Oribe Peralta to make Mexico attack strong. Mexico will win group C.

South Korea: Four years ago in London the South Koreans was able to grab a Bronze Medal at the expense of Asian Rivals Japan. Unfortunately this time around it will be much more difficult. With Germany and Mexico in their group I just don’t see the Koreans getting another chance at grabbing a medal.

Group D:

Argentina: The Argentines are coming off of a heartbreaking loss in the Copa America final to Chile and will look to rebound in Rio. With the senior team in disarray with the recent news of Messi’s retirement, Argentine supporters will try and follow young phenom, 21 year old Angel Correa to gold.  

Portugal: The Portuguese look to cap off an impressive summer with gold following their triumph in France at the European Championships. The Portuguese squad, like the rest of the field, consist of largely unknown players, but do have several who were on the squad that finished runner up at last summers under 21 European Championships. Look for the Portuguese to finish second in Group D.

Honduras: Honduras stands nearly no shot considering they are the playing in the toughest group in the tournament. If anything, they are led by Jorge Luis Pinto who led Costa Rica to the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup against all odds.

Algeria: Algeria like Honduras is on the outside looking in when it comes to qualifying for the knockout stages. The “Desert Warriors” will need to rely on the unpredictability of the tournament if they are looking to advance.