As the Copa America kicks off, the opening match between Argentina and Canada is set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans are eagerly awaiting the tournament, with Argentina stepping in as the pre-tournament favorites.
Argentina's Golden Chance
Argentina comes into the tournament with a solid reputation and bolstered by an impressive squad. The team aims to dominate on U.S. soil, especially given Brazil’s recent downturn in form. The dip in Brazil's performance post-World Cup has only strengthened Argentina's position as the tournament favorites.
Despite missing key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos, Argentina remains formidable. Veterans such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play pivotal roles, supported by strong talents like Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes.
Expected starting XI for Argentina: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada's Challenge
On the other side, Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant test. Canada had mixed results in their pre-tournament matches, with a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. These results will test Canada's readiness ahead of the Copa America.
Canada is in a transition phase, moving beyond the era of players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are emerging within the squad. Key players for Canada include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has established himself as the new No. 1, while Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut.
Expected starting XI for Canada: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
How to Watch
The match details are as follows:
- 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 consists of Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising intense and entertaining soccer throughout the tournament. Canada aims to compete fiercely against Peru and Chile, viewing the Copa America as a critical learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Prediction
While Canada’s primary focus may be on development and building towards the future, the team also aspires to make a strong showing in the tournament. The opening match against Argentina might start off tight, but Argentina is expected to secure a narrow victory. This result, however, could be encouraging for Canada as they look to make their mark in Group A.
Final prediction: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
Quotes
Quoting key analysts and pundits:
- "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."