Paris Olympics 2024: Thierry Henry warns of 'long journey' for France after groups drawn for men's and women's football

Thierry Henry said he’s expecting a “long journey” ahead after his France side discovered their fate in the group-stage draw for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The host nation will be in Group A alongside the United States, New Zealand, and the winners of a playoff between an Asian Federation side and Guinea.

Sixteen national Under-23 teams will compete for gold, with each team allowed to pick three players over the age limit.

"It's never easy to win a home tournament, I think Brazil and Spain did it (in 2016 and 1992, respectively) but it doesn't happen often," said Henry.

"We will try to make it happen, but it'll be a long journey."

World Cup holders Argentina are in Group B alongside Morocco, Ukraine and an Asian qualifier, while another Asian team will be with Spain, Egypt and the Dominican Republic in Group C.

Group D will see Paraguay, Mali, Israel and the final Asian qualifier meet.

Holders Brazil failed to qualify after suffering elimination at the hands of rivals Argentina in qualifying, so a new champion will be crowned in France.

Javier Mascherano is in charge of Argentina and said in February that “the doors are open” for iconic forward Lionel Messi to join his squad for a crack at his second Olympic gold medal, having achieved the feat once before at Beijing 2008.

Great Britain have not competed in the men's football event since London 2012, while the women's team missed out on qualifying.

In the women’s draw, 12 teams will compete in three groups of four.

World champions Spain were pitted against Brazil, Japan and the winner of an African playoff between Nigeria and South Africa.

There is a heavyweight look to Group B, where the United States, Germany, Australia and either Zambia or Morocco will face off.

In Group A, hosts France will come up against Colombia, Canada and New Zealand in their bid for glory on home soil.

The tournament will be held across seven French cities: Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Saint-Etienne.

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