Summary:
The Copa America is set to kick off with an exciting match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. With Argentina entering the tournament as pre-tournament favorites, fans are eagerly anticipating the start of what promises to be a thrilling competition. On the other side, Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge.
Canada's preparation for the Copa America has been mixed, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. The upcoming match against Argentina will test Canada's readiness and provide valuable insights into their capabilities.
Argentina is looking to dominate on U.S. soil, especially with Brazil's recent dip in form, which has further bolstered Argentina's position as the favorite to win the tournament.
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 consists of Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile. This group promises to deliver intense and entertaining soccer matches. Canada aims to not only compete but also draw valuable lessons from this experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing some key players, such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the team will rely heavily on experienced veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are expected 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 players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are emerging, and top players on the Canadian side include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau is the newly appointed No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles will be making his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
The match is anticipated to start off tight, but Argentina is expected to edge out a narrow victory. A 1-0 scoreline in favor of Argentina seems likely, a result that would still be encouraging for Canada as they prepare for their upcoming key matches against Peru and Chile.
Argentina is favored to top Group A, leveraging their experience and depth despite missing some key players. Canada, on the other hand, will look to compete ardently and gain crucial experience as they build toward the 2026 World Cup.
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."