Summary
The Copa America is set to commence with an exciting matchup between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday.
Fans eagerly await the tournament, where Argentina arrives as the pre-tournament favorites. Jesse Marsch's Canadian team, however, faces a significant challenge, poised to test their readiness against one of the world’s top teams.
Canada had mixed results leading up to the Copa America, notably a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. This match will be a telling measure of Canada’s ability to compete on this grand stage while Argentina aims to dominate on U.S. soil. Brazil's recent dip in form also strengthens Argentina's strong position as the favorite.
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)
Odds: Argentina -333; Draw +400; Canada +900
Group A Overview
Group A in the Copa America includes Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising intense and entertaining soccer throughout the group stage. Canada aims to take valuable lessons from this tournament as they prepare for more ambitious goals, notably the 2026 World Cup.
Team News
Argentina
Argentina will take the field without some key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, they will count on their seasoned veterans, including Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi, who are expected to play significant roles. Meanwhile, midfield stalwarts like Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely starters.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada
Canada is undergoing a transition beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson as new talents emerge. Key players to watch include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau is the new No. 1 goalkeeper, with Luc de Fougerolles making his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction
While the match might start tight, Argentina is expected to narrowly edge out Canada. Despite a probable defeat, the result could be encouraging for Canada, offering them valuable experience and lessons. Argentina is likely to top the group with Canada focusing on key matches against Peru and Chile to advance further in the tournament.
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.