Summary
The anticipation for the Copa America is palpable as the tournament kicks off with an exciting match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Argentina enters the tournament with high expectations, being the pre-tournament favorites, while Jesse Marsch's Canadian team is gearing up for a significant challenge.
Canada's Preparations
Canada has had a mixed bag of results leading up to the Copa America. They recently faced a defeat against the Netherlands and managed a draw against France. This matchup against Argentina will be a critical test of Canada's readiness and resilience. As they transition beyond veteran players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, new talents are emerging and looking to make their mark on the international stage. Key players such as Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio will be pivotal. Furthermore, Maxime Crepeau has taken the mantle as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles will be making his senior debut.
Argentina's Ambitions
Argentina aims to assert its dominance on U.S. soil. With Brazil experiencing a dip in form post-World Cup, Argentina has firmly positioned itself as the tournament favorite. However, they will be missing some key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. Despite these absences, the team boasts a strong lineup with veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi expected to play significant roles. Midfield stalwarts Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also likely starters, solidifying Argentina's robust squad.
How to Watch and Odds
The match is slated for Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET and will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Fans can tune in to FS1, Univision, or TUDN for television coverage, and the match will also be available for live streaming on Fubo (free trial available).
The odds currently favor Argentina at -333, with a draw at +400 and Canada at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising intense and entertaining soccer matchups. While Argentina is expected to top the group, Canada's key matches will be against Peru and Chile. This tournament serves as a critical learning experience for Canada as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Team News
Argentina
In the absence of key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos, Argentina will rely heavily on its experienced veterans. The probable starting XI for Argentina includes E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, and Di María.
Canada
Canada, in the midst of transitioning beyond some veteran players, is introducing new talents to the squad. With Maxime Crepeau now the primary goalkeeper and Luc de Fougerolles making his senior debut, the probable starting XI for Canada includes Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, and Larin.
Prediction
The match is expected to start tight but with Argentina likely to secure a narrow victory. A close result would still be encouraging for Canada as they aim to learn and grow from this tournament experience. Argentina is expected to top the group, while Canada's most crucial games 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."
"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.