Summary:
The highly anticipated Copa America will kick off this Thursday with a thrilling opening match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the tournament, with Argentina widely considered the pre-tournament favorites. Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge in what promises to be a captivating encounter.
Canada had a mixed bag of results leading up to the Copa America, suffering a defeat against the Netherlands and securing a draw against France. This match will serve as a crucial test of Canada's readiness for the higher stakes of competitive international soccer.
Argentina's Aims and Brazil's Dip in Form:
Argentina enters the tournament with the intent to dominate on U.S. soil. Their position as favorites is further solidified by Brazil's recent dip in form. This heightened expectation places additional pressure on Argentina to perform and live up to their billing as the team to beat.
How to Watch and Odds:
Date: Thursday, June 20
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
TV: FS1, Univision, TUDN
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Odds: Argentina -333; Draw +400; Canada +900
Group A Overview:
Group A features a strong lineup including Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile. Fans can expect intense and entertaining soccer as each team competes for a coveted spot in the knockout rounds. Canada's main focus will be to compete effectively against Peru and Chile, using this tournament as both a competitive venture and a learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina arrives without some key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. Despite these absences, veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles in their pursuit of glory. Key players Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also likely to be in the starting lineup.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is in a transitional phase, moving beyond stalwarts like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. The team is starting to showcase new talents that could play pivotal roles in the near future. Noteworthy players include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Additionally, Maxime Crepeau will be taking on the role of No. 1 goalkeeper, and 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:
The match is expected to be tightly contested in the opening stages. However, Argentina's superior experience and individual talent are likely to shine through, resulting in a narrow victory over Canada. Even in defeat, a strong showing from Canada would be an encouraging sign as they look ahead to future challenges.
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."