Summary:
The Copa America will kick off with an exciting match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the tournament, with Argentina considered the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian side, however, faces a significant challenge against a formidable Argentine team. Canada's preparation for the tournament saw mixed results, including a defeat to the Netherlands and a draw against France, setting the stage for a true test of their readiness.
Argentina, on the other hand, is set on asserting dominance on U.S. soil, with a weakened Brazil bolstering their position as the favorite.
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 Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising an intense and entertaining spectacle of soccer. Canada aims to compete with Peru and Chile, using this tournament as a crucial learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will miss key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. Nevertheless, the team boasts a wealth of experience with veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi expected to play significant roles. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely starters.
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 with the phasing out of older players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, making way for new talents. Key players such as Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio are expected to shine. Maxime Crepeau has emerged as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles makes his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
The match is expected to start tightly contested, but Argentina is anticipated to narrowly secure the victory. A 1-0 result in favor of Argentina would still be seen as encouraging for Canada, providing valuable experience as they look ahead to more crucial fixtures against Peru and Chile. Ultimately, Argentina is projected to top Group A, while Canada's learning curve will be pivotal for their 2026 World Cup preparations.
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."