The excitement for the Copa America is palpable as Argentina and Canada prepare to face off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. As the tournament kicks off, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying contest, with Argentina entering as the pre-tournament favorites.
Argentina's Road to Dominance
Argentina has been in stellar form heading into the tournament. With Brazil experiencing a dip in performance post-World Cup, Argentina's chances of dominating on U.S. soil appear stronger than ever. The squad, led by veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi, all of whom are expected to play significant roles, is eyeing a triumphant campaign.
However, Argentina faces the challenge of missing key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. Despite these absences, the team's talent pool is deep, with Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes likely to start. The probable lineup for Argentina could be: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, and Di María.
Canada's Preparations and Challenges
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team steps into the tournament with a mix of enthusiasm and caution. Their road to the Copa America has seen mixed results, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France. This match against Argentina will serve as a litmus test for Canada's readiness and overall team cohesion.
Canada is in a period of transition. Key players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson have moved on, making way for emerging talents. The spotlight will be on players like Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio to lead the team. Maxime Crepeau has stepped up as the new number one goalkeeper, with Luc de Fougerolles set to make his senior debut. A likely lineup for Canada might be: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, and Larin.
What to Expect: Group A Overview
Group A, which features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promises to deliver some intense and entertaining soccer. While Argentina aims to dominate, Canada is geared up to compete against Peru and Chile. These matches are not only crucial for Canada in this tournament but also serve as a learning experience as they build up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil shared with Mexico and the U.S.
How to Watch and Odds
For those eager to catch the action:
- 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
Prediction
The match is expected to start tight, with both teams feeling each other out in the opening stages. Argentina's experience and quality, however, are anticipated to see them edge out Canada narrowly. A 1-0 scoreline in favor of Argentina seems likely, which would still be an encouraging result for Canada given the context.
Argentina is strongly favored to top Group A, leveraging their high-caliber squad and the current form. Meanwhile, Canada's key encounters will come against Peru and Chile, which could define their progress in the tournament.
Quotes and Insights
"Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday. This will be Canada's first competitive test," noted an analyst. The tournament not only marks a significant moment for Canadian soccer but also sets the stage for a broader learning experience aimed at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
"Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil," another expert commented, highlighting Argentina's favorable position. Yet, the warnings are clear: Argentina must remain vigilant, as upsets in football are not uncommon.
In summary, while Argentina is expected to come away with a victory, the match will provide valuable insights and experience for Canada as they continue to develop as a competitive force in international soccer.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.