Summary:
The Copa America is set to kick off with a thrilling match between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans eagerly await the tournament, with Argentina entering as pre-tournament favorites, ready to showcase their dominance on U.S. soil. Canada's team, led by Jesse Marsch, faces a significant challenge as they test their readiness for competitive play.
Despite mixed results in their lead-up to the Copa America—suffering a defeat against the Netherlands and drawing with France—Canada is determined to put up a strong fight. This opening match against Argentina will be a crucial test for the Canadian squad.
Argentina’s Prospects:
Argentina is keen to solidify their position as favorites, especially in light of Brazil's recent dip in form. The absence of key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos introduces some concerns, but the experience and skill of veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to be pivotal. Alongside them, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely to be deployed in crucial starting roles.
The projected starting XI for Argentina features E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María. This lineup highlights a blend of seasoned talent and emerging stars, aiming to secure an opening victory.
Canada’s Challenge:
Canada, on the other hand, is in a transitional phase, moving beyond veterans such as Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. The introduction of new talents, coupled with the established abilities of players like Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio, signals a promising future. Maxime Crepeau is expected to fill the position of the No. 1 goalkeeper, while Luc de Fougerolles makes his senior team debut.
The possible starting XI for Canada includes Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin. This squad aims to bring energy and resilience as they confront the might of Argentina.
Group A Overview:
Group A of the Copa America features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile. This group promises intense and entertaining soccer, with each team vying for dominance. For Canada, the primary objectives will be to compete fiercely against Chile and Peru, using the tournament as a learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
How to Watch and Odds:
The match between Argentina and Canada will take place on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Fans can watch the game on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, or stream it live on Fubo (with a free trial available).
The betting odds heavily favor Argentina at -333, with the odds of a draw at +400, and Canada as the underdog at +900.
Prediction:
The opening match is anticipated to be tightly contested, but Argentina is expected to edge out a narrow victory. A 1-0 result in favor of Argentina seems likely, reflecting their strong position as group leaders. Despite a potential loss, Canada would find encouragement in their performance, with crucial matches against Peru and Chile still ahead.
The tournament will be an important step for Canada as they build towards the 2026 World Cup. The experience gained from facing top-tier teams like Argentina will be invaluable for the future development of Canadian soccer.
Quotes:
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday." This statement sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament opener.
"This will be Canada's first competitive test." Facing a team of Argentina's caliber will provide a clear measure of Canada's current abilities and areas needing improvement.
"Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil." With Brazil not at their peak, Argentina’s path to dominance in the tournament appears more straightforward.
"This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer." Group A is poised to deliver high-caliber matches that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
"This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup." For Canada, each game in the Copa America is a stepping stone towards their aspirations for the next World Cup.
"Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0." This prediction encapsulates the expected outcome of a tightly-fought contest, with Argentina likely emerging victorious by a narrow margin.