The Copa America, one of the most prestigious tournaments in international soccer, kicks off this Thursday at the stunning Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Highlighting the opening day is a match between Argentina and Canada, a clash eagerly anticipated by fans around the world.
Anticipation Builds for Copa America
As the tournament approaches, Argentina stands as the pre-tournament favorites. With a squad brimming with talent, they are expected to dominate, particularly given Brazil’s recent dip in form. The match against Canada will be an early test of their prowess on U.S. soil.
On the other side, Jesse Marsch’s Canadian team faces a significant challenge. Leading up to the Copa America, Canada has had mixed results, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. These results have raised questions about their readiness for such a high-stakes competition, and the game against Argentina will serve as a crucial litmus test.
How to Watch and Betting Odds
Fans can catch the action live on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, and a live stream will be available on Fubo (with a free trial option).
Betting odds heavily favor Argentina, with the chances set at -333 for a win, +400 for a draw, and a long shot of +900 for Canada to secure a victory.
Group A Overview
Argentina and Canada share Group A with Peru and Chile, promising an exciting series of matches filled with intense and engaging soccer. For Canada, these games are more than just group stage contests; they're invaluable learning experiences as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil shared between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News
Argentina
Argentina will miss key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos due to injuries. Nonetheless, the squad boasts seasoned veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi, who are expected to play significant roles. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely to be part of the starting lineup, adding depth and skill to the team.
Predicted Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada
Canada is in a transition phase, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, towards integrating emerging talents. Among their top players are Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau steps in as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, while Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut, adding a fresh face to the squad.
Predicted Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction
The match is likely to start tightly contested, with both teams probing each other’s defenses. Despite Canada's efforts and the fresh energy brought by their emerging talents, Argentina's experience and skill are expected to shine through. The prediction tilts towards a narrow victory for Argentina, with a forecasted scoreline of 1-0 in their favor.
For Canada, even a close defeat against a powerhouse like Argentina would be an encouraging result and a valuable step in their journey towards the 2026 World Cup. While Argentina is the favorite to top Group A, Canada's crucial matches will be against Peru and Chile, games in which they hope to demonstrate their growth and competitiveness.
Quotes from the Field
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," noted a commentator. "This will be Canada's first competitive test since their mixed results against European teams."
"Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil," another analyst highlighted, adding to the anticipation of Argentina's performance in the tournament.
The blend of teams in Group A is expected to provide a fascinating mix of soccer styles and strategies, promising a memorable tournament for fans and players alike. With the eyes of the world watching, both Argentina and Canada will aim to showcase their best soccer and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting Copa America.
As the opening match approaches, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Both teams have something to prove, and fans can look forward to a thrilling start to the Copa America journey in Atlanta.