Summary
The much-anticipated Copa America is set to kick off with an exciting opening match between Argentina and Canada at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans are eager for the tournament to begin, with Argentina entering as the overwhelming pre-tournament favorites.
Challenges for Canada
Under the guidance of Jesse Marsch, the Canadian team faces a significant challenge. Canada has had mixed results in their lead-up to the Copa America, experiencing a defeat against the Netherlands and securing a draw against France. The upcoming match will be a crucial test of Canada’s readiness as they look to make their mark on the tournament.
Argentina’s Ambitions
Argentina aims to assert their dominance on U.S. soil, buoyed by their status as favorites, particularly given Brazil’s dip in form post-World Cup. This downturn in Brazil's performance further cements Argentina’s position as the team to beat.
How to Watch and Odds
The match will take place on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET. It will be hosted at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can watch the match live on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, or stream it on Fubo (free trial available). Betting odds favor Argentina heavily at -333, with a draw at +400, and Canada at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A, consisting of Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promises a series of intense and entertaining soccer matches. Canada is particularly focused on competing effectively against Peru and Chile. While the Copa America is a crucial competitive platform, it also serves as a learning experience for Canada in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News
Argentina
Argentina will be without key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles. Additionally, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely starters, adding depth and experience 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 transitional phase, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are emerging, offering fresh hope for the team’s future prospects. Prominent players to watch include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau steps in as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, while Luc de Fougerolles makes his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction
The match is expected to start off tightly contested, but Argentina is likely to pull ahead and secure a narrow victory. A win for Argentina would not only set the tone for the rest of the tournament but also demonstrate their readiness to dominate. Despite an anticipated loss, Canada can still glean valuable insights and experiences from the match, which will be encouraging as they prepare for their subsequent key matches 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.”