The Copa America Kicks Off with Argentina vs. Canada
Excitement is building as the Copa America gets underway with a highly anticipated match between Argentina and Canada. The showdown is set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday, promising an electrifying start to the tournament.
### Argentina - The Pre-Tournament Favorites
Argentina enters the tournament as the pre-tournament favorites, buoyed by a solid squad and recent performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Lionel Messi and his teammates can dominate on U.S. soil, especially given Brazil’s recent dip in form. This situation only reinforces Argentina's position as the team to beat.
### Canada's Challenge
On the other side, Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge. Canada’s preparations have been inconsistent with a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. This match will serve as a critical test of Canada’s readiness for the competition.
Despite these mixed results, Canada is not without hope. The team is entering a transitional phase, moving beyond stalwarts like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, and showcasing new emerging talents. Key players for Canada include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio.
### How to Watch and Odds
For fans eager to catch the action live:
- 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 features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, all promising an intense and entertaining display of soccer. Argentina is anticipated to top the group, but Canada will look to give its best performance, particularly in matches against Peru and Chile. This tournament will also serve as a learning experience for Canada, paving the way for their future endeavors, especially with the 2026 World Cup set to be held on home soil, shared across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
### Team News
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing 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. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are likely to be instrumental in their campaign.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Transitioning beyond older players, Canada's squad will feature new talents. Among them, Maxime Crepeau steps in as the new No. 1 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
Though the match may start tight, Argentina is expected to come out on top with a narrow victory. A predicted scoreline of Argentina 1, Canada 0 reflects the likely close competition, and such a result would still be encouraging for the Canadian side. Canada's key battles in the group will be against Peru and Chile, potential clashes that will define their Copa America journey.
### Quotes
Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday. This will be Canada's first competitive test, and an opportunity to learn collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup. As the tournament begins, the blend of teams in Group A guarantees a series of intense and entertaining matches.
The post-World Cup dip in form from Brazil places Argentina as the heavy favorites, and a win in this opening match will set the tone for their campaign.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.