Summary
The highly anticipated Copa America tournament is set to kick off with Argentina facing Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. This opener promises to be a thrilling encounter, as fans eagerly await the tournament with Argentina stepping in as the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a formidable challenge right out of the gate. Canada's performance leading up to the Copa America has been mixed, with a defeat to the Netherlands followed by a draw against France. This match against Argentina will be a critical test of Canada's readiness and form.
Argentina aims to assert its dominance on U.S. soil, especially with Brazil experiencing a dip in form that reinforces Argentina's position as the tournament favorite.
How to Watch and Odds
The match is scheduled for Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can watch the game live on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, or stream it on Fubo (with a free trial available). According to current betting odds, Argentina stands at -333, a draw at +400, and Canada at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A consists of Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, setting the stage for intense and entertaining soccer. Canada aims to make a strong impression and will be competing seriously with teams like Peru and Chile. This tournament serves as a crucial learning experience for Canada in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
Team News
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the team will rely on the experience and skills of veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi. Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are 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 transitioning beyond its older players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are beginning to emerge, with top players including Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau is now the 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 start on an even keel, but Argentina is predicted to edge out a narrow win. Regardless of the result, it will be an encouraging performance for Canada, and Argentina is likely to top Group A. Canada's critical matches will be against Peru and Chile.
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."