Summary:
The highly anticipated Copa America is set to kick off with defending champions Argentina facing off against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. The buzz surrounding this tournament has been amplified with Argentina emerging as the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team undoubtedly faces a daunting challenge in their opening game. With a mix of results in their pre-tournament friendlies, including a loss to the Netherlands and a draw against France, the Canadian squad will be tested on their readiness and resilience.
Argentina, on the other hand, aims to establish dominance on U.S. soil. The recent dip in form of Brazil, traditionally one of the strongest sides in South American football, has bolstered Argentina's position as favorites.
How to Watch and Odds:
The much-awaited clash between Argentina and Canada will take place on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. For those unable to attend in person, the match will be broadcast on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, with a live stream available on Fubo (try for free). As expected, Argentina leads the odds at -333, while a draw stands at +400 and a Canadian win at +900.
Group A Overview:
Group A includes Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising an intense and entertaining series of matches. While Argentina is favored to top the group, Canada aims to put up a strong fight and compete effectively against Peru and Chile. This tournament is not just a competition but also a crucial learning experience for Canada as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Team News:
Argentina:
Argentina will miss key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the presence of veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi will be crucial. Players like Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also expected to start. The likely formation for Argentina is 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 to form the backbone of the team. Key players include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau takes over as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut. Canada's potential lineup could be Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
The match is likely to start tight, with both teams testing each other's defenses. However, Argentina's superior quality and experience are expected to shine through, leading to a narrow victory. A 1-0 win for Argentina seems a probable outcome. This result would still be a positive learning experience for Canada and give them momentum for their key matches against Peru and Chile. Expect Argentina to top the group, but Canada’s primary focus will be gauging their progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be a significant event for the nation as it will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
In summary, the Copa America opener between Argentina and Canada promises to be a vital match for both teams. Argentina looks set to prove their dominance, while Canada seeks to gain valuable experience and measure their readiness for future challenges. Don't miss the action on Thursday as the tournament gets underway.
Quotes:
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," reads the tournament's opening announcement. "This will be Canada's first competitive test under Jesse Marsch in Copa America."
The state of Brazilian football post-World Cup has further fueled expectations around this tournament. "Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil," the buzz suggests. "This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer."
As Canada looks ahead, the tournament serves as more than just a competition. "This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup," highlights Canada’s sporting objectives. "The 2026 World Cup will be on home soil shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S."
The opening match result is pivotal. "This result will be encouraging for Canada." As for predictions, "Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0," seems to be the consensus amongst experts.