Summary:
The long-awaited Copa America is set to commence with an exciting showdown between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans are eagerly anticipating the tournament, with Argentina positioned as the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant test against the Argentine powerhouse. Canada enters the match with mixed results from their recent games, having suffered a defeat against the Netherlands and secured a draw against France. This match will provide a critical assessment of Canada's readiness for high-level competition.
Argentina is determined to dominate on U.S. soil, and Brazil's recent dip in form has only bolstered Argentina's status as the team to beat.
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 consists of Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising a series of intense and entertaining soccer matches. While Argentina is the heavy favorite, Canada aims to compete fiercely with Peru and Chile. For Canada, this tournament is a valuable learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing some key players, including Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the team still boasts a wealth of talent, with veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi expected to play significant roles. Midfield stalwarts Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely to start as well.
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 beyond veterans such as Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, and introducing new talents. Key players for the Canadian side include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau is the new first-choice goalkeeper, with Luc de Fougerolles 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 with a balanced contest, but ultimately, Argentina's quality is likely to prevail. A narrow victory for Argentina is the predicted outcome. Despite the anticipated loss, Canada can still take encouragement from the performance. Argentina is projected to top Group A, while Canada's crucial clashes 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," said a representative. "This will be Canada's first competitive test on such a stage." The representative highlighted that "Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil."
Commenting on the group dynamics, the representative noted, "This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer. It’s a significant learning opportunity for Canada with a view towards the 2026 World Cup."
Another source emphasized the positive outlook for Canada, "Even a narrow loss would be encouraging for Canada, given the strong competition from Argentina."
The Copa America is set to deliver thrilling moments, starting with this highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Canada. Fans around the world will eagerly watch as these teams take their first steps on the path to continental glory.