Summary:
The excitement is palpable as the Copa America kicks off with a thrilling opening match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this encounter, with Argentina widely recognized as the pre-tournament favorites. Jesse Marsch's Canadian squad, meanwhile, faces a formidable challenge as they aim to prove their mettle on such a grand stage.
Fans await the tournament with Argentina as pre-tournament favorites.
Canada's Mixed Bag of Preparations
Canada's preparation for the Copa America has been somewhat inconsistent, showcasing a mixture of highs and lows. They suffered a defeat against the Netherlands but managed to secure a draw against France in recent friendly matches. This inconsistency leaves many questioning Canada's readiness for the stiff competition that the Copa America presents.
For Canada, this opener against Argentina will serve as a litmus test to evaluate their current standing and identify areas for improvement.
Argentina's Ambitious Aspirations
Argentina, on the other hand, arrives in the United States with high hopes. The South American giants are not just aiming to perform well but dominate on U.S. soil. With Brazil experiencing a dip in form post-World Cup, Argentina's position as the favorite has only been solidified.
How to Watch and Odds
The match is slated for Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game live at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. For those who prefer watching from home, the game will be broadcast on FS1, Univision, and TUDN. A live stream will also be available on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
As per the odds, Argentina is heavily favored at -333, a draw is set at +400, and a Canadian victory stands at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising intense and entertaining soccer. While Argentina is the frontrunner, Canada aims to compete seriously with Peru and Chile. This stage acts as a critical learning experience for Canada, especially considering their target to perform outstandingly in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil, shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing some key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the team still boasts a wealth of talent, including veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi, who are expected to play significant roles. Key midfielders like Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also likely to start, ensuring that Argentina remains a formidable force.
Possible Argentina XI: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María.
Canada:
Canada's squad is currently in a transitional phase, moving beyond stalwarts like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. The new generation of Canadian talent is stepping up, featuring players like Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau has assumed the role of the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles is poised to make his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnstone, Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Tajon Buchanan, Ismaël Koné, Stephen Eustáquio, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.
Prediction:
The match is expected to be tightly contested, especially in the early stages. However, Argentina's quality and experience may eventually tip the scales in their favor. While a narrow win for Argentina appears likely, this result would still be an encouraging sign for Canada, showcasing their capability to compete at a high level.
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 and a significant learning experience for the team."
"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, but they remain confident."
"This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer."
"All eyes are set on the teams as they prepare for future challenges with a view to the 2026 World Cup."
"A tight match is anticipated, with Argentina narrowly coming out on top."
"This result will be encouraging for Canada as they continue to build and improve."
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.