Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Birmingham native Tanner Tessman set to compete with US Soccer in 2024 Olympics
For the first since 2008, the United States will field a team in the men’s soccer competition of the Summer Olympics. And a player from Alabama is expected to take on a big role.
Tanner Tessman was born in Birmingham and he is now headed to Paris as part of the the U.S.A.’s 18-man roster.
Keep reading to find out more about Tessman’s role with the team + how you can watch him compete during the Olympics.
This is the first part in our series highlighting Olympians with ties to the state of Alabama. Do you know of any Alabama athletes set to compete in Paris? Let us know so we can add them to our series.
Tanner Tessman
Tessman was born in Birmingham but moved to Texas as a teenager to join the FC Dallas academy. After high school, he was committed to play both soccer and football at Clemson University—with his godfather Dabo Swinney.
However, he turned pro at the age of 18, joining FC Dallas for two seasons before moving across the pond.
Since July 2021, Tessman has played with Italian club Venezia, helping them to promotion to the country’s top division.
Tessman, a midfielder, has just two appearances for the United States’ senior team but for the Olympics, countries provide an under-23 roster with three exceptions. Tessman played a large role in the qualifying process and has recently worn the captain’s armband for matches leading up to Paris.
How to Watch
The United States is hoping to top its best finish ever in the men’s Olympic tournament. The team’s best performance came in 2000 when it finished fourth.
This summer, the U.S. is favored to get out of group stage but it’s first match may be the toughest of the entire tournament. Here’s a quick glance at the team’s schedule:
- July 24: vs. France, 2PM, USA Network
- July 27: vs. New Zealand, 12PM, USA Network
- July 30: vs. Guinea, 12PM, USA Network
If the U.S. finishes in the top two of its group, it will advance to the quarterfinals. It would need to win at least two more games to earn a medal which would top its 2000 finish.
Here’s a look at the knockout round schedule:
- August 2: Quarterfinals
- August 5: Semifinals
- August 8: Bronze Medal Match
- August 9: Gold Medal Match
Do you know any athletes with local ties that will be competing in Paris? Send us an email to let us know what they are competing in!
