London 2012 Olympic Games: Football

Discover the future superstars of football during the London 2012 Olympic Games in Wembley Stadium.

Football at London 2012

See some of the best young players in the world compete in the Football competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Matches will be played throughout the country, but Wembley Stadium will host the finals.

The male competition is open to players aged 23 or younger (with each team allowed three players over 23), giving spectators a chance to spot upcoming talent.

Football first became a regular feature of the Olympic Games in London 1908. Since Atlanta 1996, the authorities have expanded the event to include a women's competition, which has no age limit.

Football at the Olympic Games

South American and African football teams have prevailed in the Olympic Games in recent times. Argentina gained revenge for their 1996 defeat by Nigeria at the 2008 Olympic Games with a victory over the Super Eagles in the final.

In the women's game, the United States have won three out of four Olympic gold medals and one silver since it was introduced in 1996.