Why football competition in Paris Olympics 2024 started earlier than other sports?

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris opened with a football match between Argentina, the current world champions, and Spain, the 2010 FIFA World Cup winners. Morocco supporters stormed the pitch during the 16th minute of extra time after Argentina scored a late goal, setting off a violent and disruptive start to the Paris Games. But VAR denied Cristian Medina's controversial goal for offside, and Morocco won their opening match in the Paris Olympics 2-1 over Argentina.

In the first game of Group C, Spain, the the recently crowned UEFA Euro 2024 champions, beat Uzbekistan by a close margin of 2-1. In the three-goal match against a determined Uzbekistan found it difficult to settle into their game. Thierry Henry's team easily defeated the United States 3-0 thanks to a spectacular long-range strike from former Arsenal player Alexandre Lacazette, who led the home team France from the front.

One of the handful of sports that started on July 24 prior to the Summer Games opening ceremony in Paris is football. The reason why football games start before the opening ceremony has historical significance. According to Paris 2024's Competitions Calendar Project Manager, Benjamin Ceugnart, the aforementioned sport begins early to provide participants adequate time to recover during the competition. Since the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, football has taken place prior to the opening ceremony.

Investigation underway for pitch invasion during Paris 2024 Olympics opener

Investigators are investigating the circumstances behind a pitch invasion that occurred during the Olympic football tournament's opening game between Argentina and Morocco at the Paris Olympics. Play was halted with the score tied at 2-2, and Argentina lost 2-1 after a VAR review; however, the outcome wasn't confirmed until two hours later after play resumed.

The organising committee said in a statement that, “The football match between Argentina and Morocco at the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended due to a pitch invasion by a small number of spectators. The match then restarted and was able to conclude safely. Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions.”