Holden Urges USWNT to Reject 'Development Tournament' Mindset for Olympics

Fox Sports analyst Stu Holden believes the USWNT should prioritize winning the 2024 Olympics rather than viewing it as a developmental tournament. Holden cautions against the team's mindset slipping into complacency, emphasizing the need to regain dominance and prove they are still among the world's best.

Fox Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden has voiced his concerns regarding the potential perception of the 2024 Paris Olympics as a "development tournament" for the United States women's national soccer team (USWNT). Holden argues that such a mindset would be detrimental to the team's long-term success and could undermine their pursuit of Olympic gold.

Holden acknowledges that the global landscape of women's soccer has undergone significant change in recent years, with countries like Spain, England, Germany, and France making strides in developing their programs. He attributes this to investments in youth development and infrastructure, which have paid off in the form of improved performances on the field.

Holden points to the USWNT's recent struggles, including their loss to Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and their underwhelming performance at the 2023 Women's World Cup, as evidence of the team's regression. He believes that complacency and a lack of investment in youth development have contributed to this decline.

Holden emphasizes the paramount importance of a strong performance at the Paris Olympics for the USWNT. He believes that Olympic gold is essential for restoring the team's dominance and regaining the fear that they once instilled in their opponents. He urges the team to adopt an unapologetic attitude and reject the notion that it is acceptable to view the Olympics as a mere stepping stone.

Holden addresses the criticism that the USWNT has faced for its off-field activism, acknowledging that their focus on social and political issues has occasionally been met with negativity. However, he maintains that the team's advocacy for women's rights, gay rights, and other causes is an integral part of their identity.

Holden is keen to witness how the next generation of USWNT players navigate the balance between on-field performance and off-field activism. He believes that players like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Thompson will shape the team's future trajectory in this regard.

Holden highlights the challenging group that the USWNT has drawn for the Paris Olympics, which includes Australia, Germany, and Zambia. He считает, that the team should be aiming for the final and that anything less would be a disappointment.

Holden concludes by expressing his belief that the USWNT needs to embrace a mindset of dominance and strive to win the 2024 Olympics. He cautions against complacency and urges the team to demonstrate that they are still a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.