The highly anticipated Copa America 2024 kicks off this Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with defending champions Argentina set to face off against debutants Canada in the tournament opener. This match promises to set the tone for the rest of the competition as fans eagerly await to see how the current world champions perform against a spirited Canadian side.
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Argentina: Defending Champions on a High
Argentina enters the tournament brimming with confidence. They secured their first Copa America title since 1993 by defeating Brazil in the 2021 final, a victory that also marked Lionel Messi’s first major international trophy. Following this, they continued their winning streak at the 2022 World Cup, claiming their first World Cup title since 1986 after a thrilling penalty shootout against France.
Under the astute management of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has maintained a remarkable run of form, winning 13 out of their last 14 matches. Their recent friendly victories over Ecuador and Guatemala demonstrate their readiness and resilience. With stars like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Cristian Romero in the squad, Argentina is widely expected to dominate Group A, which includes Canada, Chile, and Peru.
Canada: Eager Debutants
Canada makes its Copa America debut after navigating a playoff against Trinidad and Tobago, securing their spot with a 2-0 victory. Although they are relatively inexperienced in this tournament, the team views this as a prime opportunity to gain valuable experience against some of the best teams in the world. This will be particularly beneficial as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the USA and Mexico.
Under new coach Jesse Marsch, Canada aims to make a strong impression. Despite a rocky start with a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands, the team showed resilience by holding France to a goalless draw in their subsequent match. Key players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David will be crucial if Canada hopes to challenge the formidable Argentine side.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Argentina: Coach Lionel Scaloni has finalized his 26-man squad, leaving out Valentin Barco, Leonardo Balerdi, and Angel Correa. Nicolas Otamendi, with 112 international caps, is expected to partner with Cristian Romero in central defense. The midfield could see a trio of Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, and Rodrigo De Paul, while Messi, fresh from scoring twice against Guatemala, will lead the attack alongside Nicolas Gonzalez and Julian Alvarez.
Predicted Lineup: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Gonzalez, Alvarez.
Canada: Canada’s lineup will feature standout players like Alphonso Davies in a defensive role, supported by Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, and Derek Cornelius. Midfield responsibilities will likely fall on captain Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are expected to spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineup: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larin.
Argentina vs. Canada Prediction
While Canada boasts impressive talent and potential, Argentina’s world-class squad depth and recent form make them clear favorites for this encounter. Expect Canada to put up a valiant fight, but Argentina’s experience and quality are likely to secure them a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Canada
This opening match is sure to be an exciting spectacle, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. Fans will be watching closely as Argentina begins their title defense and Canada looks to make a memorable debut on the Copa America stage.
Argentina vs. Canada Live Streaming
Bangladeshi viewers can watch Copa America 2024 Argentina vs. Canada Match on T Sports and T Sports App. Check out our Copa America 2024: Schedule, Groups, and TV Channels guide for more info including Copa America 2024 Live Streaming in Bangladesh.
Ajker Khela Argentina
Don’t miss out Ajker Khela Argentina online. See all the upcoming matches of the Argentina National Football Team.
Argentina Football Fixture 2024
Argentina’s national football team has an exciting and busy schedule for 2024, featuring friendlies, Copa America matches, and World Cup qualifiers.
Copa America 2024 (USA):
- June 20: Argentina vs. Canada, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- June 25: Argentina vs. Chile, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
- June 29: Argentina vs. Peru, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- July 4/5: Quarterfinal (if qualified), Houston or Arlington
- July 9: Semifinal (if qualified), MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
- July 13/14: Final/3rd Place (if qualified), Miami or Charlotte
2026 World Cup Qualifiers:
- September 5: Argentina vs. Chile, TBD
- September 10: Colombia vs. Argentina, TBD
- October 10: Venezuela vs. Argentina, TBD
- October 15: Argentina vs. Bolivia, TBD
- November 14: Paraguay vs. Argentina, TBD
- November 19: Argentina vs. Peru, TBD
This schedule will test Argentina’s squad depth and consistency, as they aim to defend their Copa America title and secure their place in the next World Cup.
