Summary:
The eagerly anticipated Copa America is set to kick off with a tantalizing match-up between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans and pundits alike have dubbed Argentina as the pre-tournament favorites, and they are eager to see how Jesse Marsch's Canadian team will fare against such formidable opponents.
Canada's preparation for this tournament has been a mixed bag. They suffered a defeat against the Netherlands and managed a draw against France. This opening match against Argentina will serve as a crucial test of their readiness for the challenges ahead. Conversely, Argentina is determined to assert its dominance on U.S. soil, with Brazil's recent dip in form only bolstering their position as favorites.
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 promises to be a cauldron of intense and entertaining soccer, featuring Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile. While Argentina is expected to lead the group, Canada aims to compete aggressively with Peru and Chile. This tournament represents more than just competition for Canada; it's a vital learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will miss key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are anticipated to play significant roles, bringing experience and skill to the fore. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also likely starters, continuing to demonstrate their importance to the team.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is in a phase of transition, moving beyond stalwarts like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. Emerging new talents are starting to make their mark. Key players for Canada include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau has taken over as the new 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.
Match Prediction:
The match is expected to be closely contested initially, but Argentina's quality is predicted to shine through in the end. A narrow victory is anticipated for Argentina, which would still be an encouraging result for Canada. Argentina is likely to top Group A, while Canada's key matches will be against Peru and Chile as they continue to build and learn with an eye toward future success.
Prediction: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," noted a tournament spokesperson. "This will be Canada's first competitive test," they added, emphasizing the significance of this game. Brazil’s recent struggles make Argentina heavy favorites to succeed on U.S. soil, but even they have not taken this fixture lightly. Indeed, the blend of talent and potential in this group suggests an exciting and competitive tournament ahead, with plenty for fans to look forward to.
As this match heralds the beginning of the Copa America, all eyes will be on Atlanta to see if the Argentine veterans can lead their side to an early victory or if the Canadian underdogs will spring a surprise. Both teams have much to prove, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter that will impact their momentum for the rest of the tournament.