Copa America will get underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday with Lionel Messi’s FIFA 2022 World Cup winners pre-tournament favorites to go all the way in which. Jesse Marsch’s Canadian facet is first up and though it has been blended by way of outcomes thus far with a heavy loss to the Netherlands however a reputable draw with France, this shall be their first aggressive take a look at.

The South Individuals nonetheless boast a lot of the expertise that enabled them to see off Les Bleus on penalties in Qatar and Brazil’s post-World Cup dip in kind means that the Albiceleste are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil. With Peru and Chile extra acquainted than Canada and their 2022 triumph additionally beginning with defeat, Argentina have been warned forward of this one.

Listed below are our storylines, how one can watch the match and extra:

watch and odds

• Date: Thursday, June 20 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Ga.
• TV: FS1, Univision, TUDN Dwell stream: Fubo (attempt totally free)
• Odds: Argentina -333; Draw +400; Canada +900

Group A

In addition to Argentina and Canada, there’s additionally Peru and Chile which makes this group an fascinating mix with the potential for some intense and entertaining soccer. Marsch’s males will hope to compete with the Peruvians and the Chileans to rank behind Messi and his teammates however this can all be about studying collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup which is able to once more be on residence soil as it’s shared throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. 

Crew information

Argentina: Paulo Dybala is arguably the largest identify lacking out though there’s additionally Juan Foyth and Lucas Ocampos. All aged 36, Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi are all excessive veterans however shall be anticipated to contribute considerably once more whereas acquainted midfield faces Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes also needs to kind a part of Lionel Scaloni’s most popular beginning XI.

Attainable Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martinez, Acuna; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Alvarez, Messi, Di Maria.

Canada: This Canadian facet is beginning to transfer on from the likes of Milan Borjan and Lucas Cavallini whereas long-time chief Atiba Hutchinson has retired so he is not an possibility. The squad is headlined with attacking expertise comparable to Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan however there are additionally the likes of Alphonso Davies and Stephen Eustaquio throughout protection and midfield. Maxime Crepeau is rising as the brand new No. 1 goalkeeper and England-born Luc de Fougerolles is making his first look in a senior squad.

Attainable Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Kone, Eustaquio, Millar; David, Larin.

Prediction

Anticipate a good begin which finishes with a slim win for Argentina however an encouraging end result for Canada all the identical. Sclaoni’s males ought to go on to high the group however outcomes in opposition to Peru and Chile will dictate Marsch and his gamers’ destiny — not the world champions. Choose: Argentina 1, Canada 0.