Summary:
The Copa America tournament will kick off with a thrilling match featuring Argentina vs. Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday.
Anticipation is high, with Argentina entering the tournament as pre-tournament favorites. Fans are eager to see how the two teams will perform on the international stage.
There's no doubt that Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge. Canada's build-up to the tournament has seen mixed results: a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw with France. This opening match will be a crucial test of Canada's readiness for the competitive environment of Copa America.
Argentina, on the other hand, aims to establish dominance on U.S. soil. The recent dip in Brazil's form only strengthens Argentina's position as the favorite to take home the trophy.
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: Available on Fubo (try for free)
Odds: Argentina -333; Draw +400; Canada +900
Group A Overview:
Group A features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, setting the stage for an intense and entertaining series of matches. While Argentina is expected to lead the group, Canada aims to be competitive against Peru and Chile.
This tournament serves as a learning experience for Canada as they look forward to hosting the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina enters the tournament missing key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, they still bring a formidable team 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 in a transition phase, moving past reliance on players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. Emerging talents are being integrated into the squad. Top Canadian players to watch include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Notably, Maxime Crepeau is the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles will make his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
The match is expected to start with a cautious approach from both sides, but Argentina is anticipated to narrowly win. Such a result would still be encouraging for Canada, as it signifies their competitiveness and potential for future success.
Prediction: Argentina 1, Canada 0
Quotes:
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," said tournament organizers. "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," added a sports analyst.
"Argentina has been warned ahead of this one."
The group dynamics promise intense and engaging matches, with each team bringing their unique strengths and challenges to the tournament.
"This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup," noted a coach. "The 2026 World Cup will be on home soil shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., making this result an encouraging sign for Canada."
Overall, Argentina is expected to top Group A, with Canada focusing on key matches against Peru and Chile to advance further into the tournament.