In the aftermath of Paris 2024, all eyes are already on Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games, and the British Olympic Association wants to restore the feeling by bringing back Team GB men’s football.

The FA is already keen to field players for the tournament in four years time, but the ball is in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’s court. 

Despite a long history of the Home Nations competing together in Olympic football during the 20th century, there is still apprehension from the different football associations, with concerns over losing the freedom to play independently at future, non-Olympic tournaments.

The last time Team GB competed in men’s football was back in 2012, with a squad featuring Aaron Ramsey, Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards. 

The women’s football tournament has proven the ability to successfully field a combined team whilst retaining their independence at FIFA and UEFA competition. Team GB women’s football played at both London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, making it to the quarter-finals both years, but failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament. 

Whether Team GB will feature at the Olympics in 2028, both in women’s and men’s football, will depend on all four nations’ agreement. With four years to go until the world’s best athletes touch down in Los Angeles, fingers are crossed that Team GB gets to stand on one of those 22-player podiums, too.

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