Summary:
The Copa America is set to kick off with an exciting match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. The anticipation is high, with Argentina emerging as pre-tournament favorites while Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge. Canada had mixed results leading up to the tournament, suffering a defeat against the Netherlands and drawing with France. This inaugural match will test Canada's readiness on the international stage and their prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina: Favorites to Dominate
Argentina aims to assert their dominance on U.S. soil, further bolstered by Brazil's recent dip in form. Despite missing key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos, Argentina boasts a roster full of veterans and promising talents. Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles, with Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes likely to start. The combination of experienced players and emerging stars makes Argentina a formidable opponent.
Possible Argentina Starting XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada: A Team in Transition
Canada enters the tournament in a period of transition, moving beyond experienced players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are emerging, and the team is gearing up for a learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Top players for Canada include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio, with Maxime Crepeau stepping in as the new No. 1 goalkeeper.
Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut, indicating a fresh infusion of talent within the squad.
Possible Canada Starting XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
How to Watch and Odds:
The match is scheduled for Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can catch the game on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, or stream it live on Fubo (with a free trial available).
Odds: Argentina -333; Draw +400; Canada +900.
Group A Overview
Group A features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising intense and entertaining soccer. While Argentina is expected to top the group, Canada aims to compete strongly against Peru and Chile. This tournament serves as a crucial learning curve for Canada as they build towards the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Prediction:
The match is anticipated to start tight, but Argentina is expected to secure a narrow win. The result will still be encouraging for Canada, showing progress and potential as they look forward to more crucial matches against Peru and Chile. The prediction for the match: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
Quotes:
"The 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."
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how these two teams, particularly Canada, perform against the high expectations and the high stakes of international competition. The Copa America promises not only to be a showcase of soccer talent but also a preview of what to expect in the upcoming World Cup.