Summary:
The Copa America is set to kick off with an exciting opening match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans are eagerly anticipating the tournament, with Argentina widely regarded as the pre-tournament favorites.
Facing them is Jesse Marsch's Canadian team, which is preparing for a significant challenge. Canada has had mixed results leading up to the Copa America, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. This match will be a crucial test for Canada's readiness on the international stage.
Argentina, on the other hand, aims to dominate the tournament on U.S. soil. A dip in Brazil's form further strengthens Argentina's position as the favorite to win the tournament.
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. This group promises intense and entertaining soccer as Canada aims to compete with Peru and Chile. For Canada, the tournament also serves as a valuable learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil shared across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will be without key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles. Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also 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 period of transition, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are emerging, with top players including Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau has emerged as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles will be making his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
The match is expected to be tightly contested at the start, but Argentina is tipped to narrowly secure a victory. A predicted scoreline of Argentina 1, Canada 0 would be an encouraging result for Canada, despite the narrow defeat. Argentina is likely to top the group, while Canada's key matches will be against Peru and Chile.
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."
Conclusion:
The opening match of the Copa America between Argentina and Canada is set to be an exciting encounter. While Argentina enters the match as favorites, Canada's emerging talents will be eager to prove their readiness on the international stage. Fans can look forward to a thrilling tournament filled with intense soccer action.
With Argentina aiming to dominate and Canada viewing this as a crucial learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Copa America promises to deliver memorable moments and high-stakes competition.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.