Summary:
The highly anticipated Copa America is set to kickoff with a thrilling opener between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. The tournament, eagerly awaited by soccer fans worldwide, sees Argentina stepping in as the pre-tournament favorites.
For Jesse Marsch's Canadian team, this match represents a significant challenge. Canada had mixed results in their lead-up games, suffering a defeat against the Netherlands and securing a draw against France. This opening match will be a crucial test of Canada's readiness for the prestigious competition.
Argentina, on the other hand, aims to dominate on U.S. soil. The recent dip in form of their arch-rivals Brazil has only strengthened Argentina's position as the favorite to win the tournament.
How to Watch and Odds
The opening match is scheduled for Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on FS1, Univision, and TUDN. For those preferring to live stream, Fubo offers a free trial.
Bookmakers have given Argentina strong odds at -333 to win, with a draw at +400, and Canada's chances are pegged at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A promises to deliver intense and entertaining soccer, featuring heavyweights Argentina, alongside Canada, Peru, and Chile. Canada will aim to be competitive against Peru and Chile, with the tournament serving as a vital learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Team News
Argentina
Argentina will be missing key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos for the tournament. However, they can still rely on the experience and talent of veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi. Midfield stalwarts Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also expected to play significant roles.
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 long-serving players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. Emerging talents are beginning to take center stage, with top players including Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau has now assumed the role of the first-choice goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction
The match may start off tight, but Argentina is expected to secure a narrow victory. A hopeful scoreline could be Argentina 1, Canada 0. This result would still be encouraging for Canada, as their key matches lie ahead against Peru and Chile. Argentina is heavily favored to top Group A and advance further into the tournament.
Quotes
“Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday,” said a spokesperson. “This will be Canada’s first competitive test.”
Analysts believe “Brazil’s post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil.” However, “Argentina has been warned ahead of this one.”
Commenting on the dynamics of the group, experts note that “this group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer.” For Canada, the focus is clear: “This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup.”
Summarizing the favorable outlook for Canada despite a likely defeat, one pundit remarked, “This result will be encouraging for Canada.”
Final pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.