Welcome to the Olympic Men’s Football! Since its inception in 1900, this tournament has been a hotbed of talent, showcasing the prowess of footballing nations from around the globe. It’s a stage where legends are born, and the beautiful game is played in its purest form. From Hungary’s record-breaking triumph in 1952 to Nigeria’s stunning gold in 1996, the Olympic football tournament has been a rollercoaster ride of nail-biting finishes, underdog victories, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard football enthusiast or a casual fan, the Olympic Men’s Football tournament is a spectacle that never fails to captivate. So, lace up your boots, put on your imaginary jersey, and get ready to dive into the rich history, fascinating facts, and iconic moments of Olympic Men’s Football. It’s not just a game, it’s a celebration of football in all its glory!
| Nation | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1936 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Belarus | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 1 |
| Belgium | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | 5 |
| Bulgaria | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 |
| Czech Republic | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Czechoslovakia | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 |
| Denmark | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | 9 |
| East Germany | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Estonia | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Finland | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| France | Y | – | 2 | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | 14 |
| Germany | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | 10 |
| Great Britain | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | Y | – | – | – | 10 |
| Greece | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Hungary | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 9 |
| Ireland | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Israel | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | Y | 3 |
| Italy | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | 15 |
| Latvia | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Lithuania | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Luxembourg | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Netherlands | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | 8 |
| Norway | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 |
| Poland | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7 |
| Portugal | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | 4 |
| Romania | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | 4 |
| Russia | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Serbia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Serbia and Montenegro | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Slovakia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | - | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Soviet Union | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Spain | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | 12 |
| Sweden | – | – | 4th | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | 10 |
| Switzerland | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 3 |
| Turkey | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Ukraine | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | 1 |
| Yugoslavia | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 11 |
Delve into the rich history of the Olympic Games Men’s Football Tournaments and discover every nation that has participated from 1900 to 2024. This journey will take you across continents, from the bustling stadiums of Europe to the vibrant pitches of South America, and from the passionate crowds of North and Central America to the energetic arenas of Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Italy, with its deep-rooted football culture, leads the pack in Europe, having participated in the Olympic Football Games a record 15 times. Brazil, a country synonymous with football, tops the list in South America with 14 tournaments under its belt. The United States, a nation where soccer is rapidly gaining popularity, has participated in the Olympic football games the most times in North & Central America, with 15 games to its name.
In Africa, Egypt stands tall with 13 Olympic Football tournaments, showcasing the continent’s love for the beautiful game. Japan, a country where football is passionately followed, leads in Asia with 12 participations. Each of these nations has contributed to the rich tapestry of Olympic football, leaving indelible marks with their unique styles and unforgettable moments.
Europe, the birthplace of many football legends, has a rich history in the Olympic Football Games. Italy, with its tactical prowess and footballing heritage, has participated the most times, followed closely by other football-loving nations.
South America, home to some of the world’s most skillful players, has always been a strong contender in the Olympic Football Games. Brazil, with its samba style of play, has participated the most times, adding to the continent’s illustrious football history.
| Nation | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1936 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | – | – | – | – | – | – | R/U | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | R/U | – | W | W | – | Y | Y | Y | 10 |
| Brazil | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | 14 |
| Chile | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Colombia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 |
| Paraguay | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | - | – | – | – | Y | 3 |
| Peru | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Uruguay | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 3 |
| Venezuela | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
North & Central America and the Caribbean have made significant strides in football, with the United States leading the way in Olympic participation. The region’s passion for the game continues to grow with each tournament.
| Nation | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1936 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 4 |
| Costa Rica | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Cuba | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Dominican Republic | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | 1 |
| El Salvador | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 2 |
| Guatemala | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Honduras | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | Y | – | 4 |
| Mexico | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | Y | – | 11 |
| Netherlands Antilles | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| United States | – | 2 | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | 15 |
Africa, a continent known for producing some of the world’s most exciting players, has a strong presence in the Olympic Football Games. Egypt, with its rich footballing tradition, has participated the most times, reflecting the continent’s love for the sport.
| Nation | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1936 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | 2 |
| Cameroon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Egypt | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | 13 |
| Côte d'Ivoire | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | 2 |
| Gabon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 1 |
| Ghana | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | 6 |
| Guinea | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | 2 |
| Mali | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | 2 |
| Morocco | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | Y | 8 |
| Nigeria | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | 7 |
| Senegal | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 1 |
| South Africa | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | 3 |
| Sudan | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Tunisia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Zambia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
Asia, a continent where football’s popularity is rapidly rising, has made its mark in the Olympic Football Games. Japan, with its disciplined approach to the game, has participated the most times, highlighting the continent’s growing influence in world football.
| Nation | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1936 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Australia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | 8 |
| Burma | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| China | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Chinese Taipei | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| India | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 |
| Indonesia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Iran | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | - | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Iraq | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | 6 |
| Japan | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 12 |
| Kuwait | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | - | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Malaysia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| North Korea | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Oman | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | P/O | – | – | – | 0 |
| Qatar | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | 3 |
| South Korea | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | 11 |
| Syria | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Thailand | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| United Arab Emirates | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | 1 |
| Uzkebistan | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | 1 |
Oceania, though smaller in size compared to other continents, has a vibrant football culture. The region’s participation in the Olympic Football Games is a testament to its passion for the sport.
Note: There were no football competitions during the 1896 & 1932 Olympic Games. Countries are shown according to their current regional affiliations.
