**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 are eagerly anticipating the tournament, with Argentina entering as the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a significant challenge right from the start. Canada had mixed results in the lead-up to the Copa America, with a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France, which leaves uncertainty about their readiness for this competition.
**Match Details and Viewing Information**
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
This opening match will serve as a significant test for Canada's team. Their preparation will be put to the test against a strong Argentine side aiming to dominate on U.S. soil. Brazil's dip in form further strengthens Argentina's position as the favorite to win the tournament.
**Group A Overview**
Group A features Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising an intense and entertaining set of matches. While Argentina is expected to top the group, Canada will aim to compete fiercely with Peru and Chile. For the Canadian team, this tournament is not just about immediate results but also about gaining valuable experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
**Team News**
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing key players like Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos due to various reasons. However, veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to play significant roles in guiding the team. Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are also likely starters.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is undergoing a transition, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson, as new talents begin to emerge. Key players for Canada in the tournament include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau has taken over as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, with Luc de Fougerolles making his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
**Match Prediction**
The match is expected to start tightly contested, but Argentina's experience and skill are likely to see them edge out a narrow victory. Nevertheless, a closely fought match would still be an encouraging result for Canada, as they focus on their key matches against Peru and Chile which are crucial for their progression in the tournament.
Prediction: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
**Quotes and Closing Thoughts**
As one of the most anticipated matches in the opening round, the encounter between Argentina and Canada has garnered significant attention. "Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," encapsulates the excitement surrounding this event. This match will be Canada's first competitive test, a significant milestone in their journey towards the 2026 World Cup, which will be partly hosted on their home soil.
With Brazil's recent struggles, Argentina is viewed as the heavy favorite to win on U.S. soil. However, the team has been warned to not take their opposition lightly. The blend of teams in Group A, including Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, suggests a tournament filled with intense and entertaining soccer.
For Canada, this tournament is about learning and growing as a team, with an eye on their performance in the 2026 World Cup. Even a narrow defeat to Argentina could be seen as a positive result, showcasing their potential and setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.