Summary:
The Copa America will kick off with an exciting match between Argentina and Canada at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Soccer fans across the globe anticipate a thrilling tournament with Argentina entering as pre-tournament favorites. However, Jesse Marsch's Canadian team presents an intriguing challenge.
Team Form and Pre-Tournament Performance
Canada's journey to the Copa America has been marked by mixed results. The team faced a defeat against the Netherlands and managed a draw against France. These outcomes raise questions about Canada's readiness for the tournament, making the upcoming match against Argentina a significant test for the team.
Argentina, on the other hand, aims to establish dominance on U.S. soil. With Brazil's recent decline in form, Argentina’s position as the favorite to win the tournament has only strengthened.
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)
According to the odds, Argentina is heavily favored with odds of -333, while a draw stands at +400, and a Canadian victory seems unlikely at +900.
Group A Overview
The group featuring Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile promises a series of intense and entertaining matches. Canada hopes to compete effectively against Peru and Chile, viewing the tournament as an invaluable learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil, shared with Mexico and the U.S.
Team News
Argentina
Argentina enters the Copa America without several key players, such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. Nonetheless, the team can rely on its veteran stalwarts, including Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi, to lead the charge. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also expected to play crucial roles.
Possible Argentina Starting XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada
Canada is undergoing a transition phase, moving beyond established players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are stepping up to fill the void, with Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio emerging as key players. Maxime Crepeau has taken over as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles will make his senior debut during the tournament.
Possible Canada Starting XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction
The match is expected to be tightly contested, particularly in the early stages, but Argentina should ultimately secure a narrow victory. A result in favor of Argentina will bolster their chances of topping Group A, reaffirming their status as tournament favorites. For Canada, a closely-fought match would be an encouraging sign, especially as they focus on their more winnable fixtures against Peru and Chile.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
Quotes
As the tournament kicks off, anticipation is high: "Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday." This match not only marks Canada's first competitive test of the tournament but also sets the stage for high-stakes soccer. "Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil," adding further pressure on the Argentinian side to perform.
However, the match is also an opportunity for both teams to show their potential. "This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer." For Canada, the tournament is about growth and preparation: "This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup."
Regardless of the outcome, the match offers valuable experience. "This result will be encouraging for Canada," especially as they look forward to co-hosting the World Cup in 2026.
In conclusion, "Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0," reflects expectations for a competitive, yet ultimately narrowly-decided match that sets the tone for a fascinating Copa America ahead.