Summary:
The highly anticipated Copa America kicks off this Thursday with a thrilling match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. While fans and analysts alike await the tournament, Argentina enters as the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge in their opening match. The team's mixed results in the lead-up to the Copa America, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw with France, add to the uncertainty surrounding their readiness. The match against Argentina will serve as a crucial test for the Canadian squad.
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 intense and entertaining soccer battles. While Argentina is heavily favored to top the group, Canada aims to put up a strong fight against Peru and Chile. For Canada, this tournament represents a critical learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will be without key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos for this opener, but the squad is still rich with talent. Veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles in guiding the team. Midfield talents 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:
The Canadian team is undergoing a transition, moving beyond older players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. Several new talents are emerging, making this an exciting time for Canadian soccer. Among the standout players are Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau is 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.
Prediction:
While the match may begin tightly contested, Argentina is expected to narrowly secure a win. The result, even in defeat, would be an encouraging sign for Canada as they continue to develop and build towards the 2026 World Cup.
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."