Summary:
The Copa America is set to kick off with an exciting fixture as Argentina takes on Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. This highly anticipated match marks the beginning of a thrilling tournament where Argentina is widely regarded as the pre-tournament favorite. Canada, under the leadership of Jesse Marsch, faces a significant challenge as it seeks to make a mark on the international stage.
Mixed Preparations for Canada
Leading up to the Copa America, Canada experienced mixed results in their friendly matches, including a defeat to the Netherlands and a draw against France. These performances have given the Canadian squad a taste of the high-level competition they will face in the tournament. The opening match against Argentina serves as a crucial test of Canada’s readiness and resilience.
Argentina: The Favorites
For Argentina, this tournament presents an opportunity to assert dominance on U.S. soil. With Brazil experiencing a dip in form post-World Cup, Argentina's position as the favorite has been further solidified. The team is eager to demonstrate their prowess and start the tournament strong.
How to Watch and Odds:
The match will take place on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Coverage will be available on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, with live streaming options on Fubo (free trial available). The betting odds favor Argentina at -333, a draw at +400, and Canada at +900.
Group A Overview:
Group A comprises Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising intense and entertaining football. While Argentina is expected to top the group, Canada aims to compete fiercely against Peru and Chile. This tournament is also a valuable learning experience for Canada as they build towards the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will be without key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the presence of veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi is expected to play a significant role in their campaign. Additionally, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely to be among the starting eleven.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is undergoing a transition, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, with new talents emerging. The squad boasts top players such as Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau is the new No. 1 goalkeeper, while Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
As the match unfolds, it is expected to be a tightly-contested affair initially. However, Argentina's superior quality and experience are likely to see them narrowly edge out Canada. A 1-0 victory for Argentina seems probable, but the performance should still be encouraging for the Canadian team. Argentina is ultimately anticipated to top Group A, while Canada’s crucial fixtures lie against Peru and Chile.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
Quotes:
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday."
"This will be Canada's first competitive test."
"Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil."
"Argentina has been warned ahead of this one."
"This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer."
"This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup."
"The 2026 World Cup will be on home soil shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S."
"This result will be encouraging for Canada."
"Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0."