Summary
The highly anticipated Copa America tournament kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. Fans are eagerly awaiting the tournament, with Argentina entering as the pre-tournament favorites, and Jesse Marsch's Canadian team facing a significant challenge.
Argentina looks to capitalize on Brazil's dip in form, further cementing their position as the favorites to dominate on U.S. soil. Meanwhile, the tournament will test Canada’s readiness, especially given their mixed results leading up to Copa America, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France.
How to Watch and Odds
The much-anticipated match will take place on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can catch the action live on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, or stream it for free on Fubo.
The odds favor Argentina heavily at -333, while a draw stands at +400, and Canada's chances are slimmer at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising a sequence of intense and entertaining soccer matches. Canada aims to compete strongly against Peru and Chile, using this tournament as a crucial learning platform ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Team News
Argentina:
Argentina will be without key players such as Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles in the team’s success. Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely starters, adding depth to the middle of the park.
Here is a possible Argentina starting XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is in a transitional phase, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. New talents are emerging, including Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau establishes himself as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, while Luc de Fougerolles makes his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction
This opening match of Copa America might start tight, but Argentina is expected to secure a narrow win. A projected 1-0 win for Argentina will still be encouraging for Canada, who will look to focus on their key matches against Peru and Chile.
With the prospect of topping the group, Argentina appears to be the dominant force, whereas Canada aims to use the tournament as valuable preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Final 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."
Final Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.