Jun 14, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with Argentina midfielder forward Julian Alvarez (9) after scoring a goal against Guatemala in the second half at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
- World-champion and reigning Copa-champion Argentina starts its title defense against first-time entrant Canada on June 20
- Canada may have a slight geographical edge with the match Atlanta, GA, but Argentina is a massive favorite
- See the Argentina vs Canada odds, predictions, best bets, and projected lineups for Thursday
Winners of the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, Argentina start their title defense against first-time Copa participants Canada on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, at 8:00 pm ET.
Argentina and Canada have only met once previously and not for nearly 15 years. Argentina won the only previous meeting 5-0 on home soil back in 2010. While Thursday’s game isn’t expected to be a blowout, the Argentina vs Canada odds still heavily favor Lionel Messi and company starting the tournament with three points.
Argentina vs Canada Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | -350 | Over 2.5 (-138) |
| Canada | +1000 | Under 2.5 (+107) |
| Draw | +450 | N/A |
Listed at -350 to win in the three-way moneyline, Argentina has a 77.78% implied win probability. The draw is priced at +450 (18.18%) while a stunning Canada victory pays out at +1000 (9.1%).
Odds as of June 19 at bet365. Claim one of the bet365 promotions to get a bonus for the 2024 Copa America.
Argentina are also sizable favorites in the outright 2024 Copa America odds, sitting at +174 on average to win the tournament ahead of their first match. Brazil is second-favorite at +224 while Uruguay (+500), Colombia (+1200) and Mexico (+1200) round out the top five in the 16-team tournament.
Argentina and Canada are lumped with Peru and Chile in Group A. The top-two finishers in each of the four groups will advance to the eight-team knockout stage.
Argentina Recent Results
The top-ranked team in the world, Argentina has only consolidated its status in recent months. Lionel Scaloni’s team currently sits first in CONMEBOL’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup at 5-0-1. While they did suffer a shocking 2-0 home loss to Uruguay on Nov 16, they followed up with an impressive 1-0 win away at Brazil five days later.
In four friendlies since the calendar flipped to 2024, Argentina is 4-0 with wins over El Salvador (3-0), Costa Rica (3-1), Ecuador (1-0), and Guatemala (3-1), all in neutral locations in the United States.
Overall, Argentina is 9-0-1 in its last ten.
Argentina Last 10 Matches
| Opponent | Opp. FIFA Rank | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala | 108 | June 14, 2024 | Neutral | W 3-1 |
| Ecuador | 31 | Jun 9, 2024 | Neutral | W 1-0 |
| Costa Rica | 52 | Mar 26, 2024 | Neutral | W 3-1 |
| El Salvador | 81 | Mar 22, 2024 | Neutral | W 3-0 |
| Brazil | 5 | Nov 21, 2023 | Away | W 1-0 |
| Uruguay | 15 | Nov 16, 2023 | Home | L 2-0 |
| Peru | 32 | Oct 17, 2023 | Away | W 2-0 |
| Paraguay | 56 | Oct 12, 2023 | Home | W 1-0 |
| Bolivia | 85 | Sep 12, 2023 | Away | W 3-0 |
| Ecuador | 31 | Sep 7, 2023 | Home | W 1-0 |
Canada Recent Results
Since their majestic run through CONCACAF qualifying for the 2022 World Cup – when they finished at the top of the table ahead of both Mexico and USA – Canada’s men’s national team has been on the decline.
Canada’s FIFA ranking had dropped from 33rd in Feb 22 to 49th ahead of the Copa. They were stunningly knocked out of the CONCACAF Nations League playoffs by Jamaica despite winning the first leg 2-1 away and taking a 1-0 lead in the return fixture at home.
A trio of second-half markers from Jamaica allowed the Reggae Boys to advance on away goals.
In preparation for the elite competition they’ll face at the Copa America, Canada scheduled two exceedingly difficult friendlies in early June, falling 4-0 at the Netherlands before grinding out an impressive 0-0 draw against France.
Canada’s offense was uncharacteristically anemic, only generating two shots on target over the 180 minutes.
Canada is just 3-3-4 overall in its last ten matches.
Canada Last 10 Matches
| Opponent | Opp. FIFA Rank | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 2 | June 14, 2024 | Away | D 0-0 |
| Netherlands | 7 | Jun 9, 2024 | Away | L 4-0 |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 98 | Mar 26, 2024 | Home | W 2-0 |
| Jamaica | 55 | Mar 22, 2024 | Home | L 3-2 |
| Jamaica | 55 | Nov 21, 2023 | Away | W 2-1 |
| Japan | 18 | Nov 16, 2023 | Away | L 4-1 |
| USA | 11 | Oct 17, 2023 | Away | L 3-2 |
| Cuba | 169 | Oct 12, 2023 | Home | W 4-2 |
| Guatemala | 108 | Sep 12, 2023 | Away | D 0-0 |
| Guadeloupe | N/R | Sep 7, 2023 | Home | D 2-2 |
ARG vs CAN Projected Lineups
| Argentina (4-3-3) | Canada () |
|---|---|
| Emiliano Martinez (GK) | Jindrich Stanek (GK) |
| Nahuel Molina (RB) | Moise Bombito (CB) |
| Cristian Romero (CB) | Derek Cornelius (CB) |
| Nicolás Otamendi (CB) | Alistair Johnston (RWB) |
| Marcos Acuña (LB) | Alphonso Davies (LWB) |
| Rodrigo De Paul (RMF) | Tajon Buchanan (RMF) |
| Leandro Paredes (CMF) | Ismaël Koné (CMF) |
| Alexis Mac Allister (LMF) | Stephen Eustáquio (CMF) |
| Lionel Messi (RW) | Liam Millar (LMF) |
| Nicolás González (LW) | Jonathan David (STR) |
| Julian Alvarez (CF) | Cyle Larin (STR) |
The projected Argentina starting 11 is similar but not identical to the squad that started the 2022 World Cup final against France. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez will likely be joined up front by 26-year-old Fiorentina winger Nicolás González.
Center midfielder Enzo Fernandez is recovering from hernia surgery and will likely be replaced by savvy veteran Leandro Paredes in the starting 11.
Argentina vs Canada Predictions
Argentina have kept clean sheets in five of their last six competitive fixtures, and those were (mostly) against higher-quality offenses than Canada, including Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Paraguay.
Back on North American soil, Canada’s attack should be a little more vigorous than it was in its recent European excursion, but they will still be hard-pressed to get on past Emi Martinez in the Argentine goal.
Expect Argentina to win with a clean sheet against a Canadian attack that’s struggling to find its footing at the moment.
ARG vs CAN picks: Argentina to win to nil (-115)
Sascha was a hockey player in his youth, a lawyer in his capricious mid-20s, and has been with SBD since 2014. He specializes in football, basketball, politics, baseball, and hockey.
The 2024 Copa America is set to kick off with an exciting match between Argentina and Canada. Both teams will be looking to start their campaign on a positive note and secure a crucial win in their opening fixture.
Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, will be looking to make a statement in this tournament after falling short in recent years. The team boasts a strong squad with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, and Angel Di Maria providing attacking firepower. In defense, they have the experienced Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Acuna to provide stability at the back.
On the other hand, Canada will be looking to cause an upset and showcase their potential on the international stage. The team has been on the rise in recent years and boasts a talented squad with the likes of Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Cyle Larin leading the attack. In defense, they have the experienced Atiba Hutchinson and Steven Vitoria to provide leadership and organization.
In terms of odds, Argentina will be the clear favorites heading into this match. They have a strong track record in international competitions and will be expected to come out on top against Canada. However, Canada should not be underestimated as they have the potential to cause an upset and surprise their opponents.
Predictions for this match are difficult to make as both teams have the quality to come out on top. It could be a closely contested affair with both teams looking to impose their style of play on the game. Argentina will look to control possession and create chances through their attacking players, while Canada will look to hit them on the counter-attack with their pace and skill.
Projected lineups for this match could see Argentina lining up in a 4-3-3 formation with Messi leading the attack, supported by Dybala and Martinez. Canada could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Davies providing width on the left flank and Larin leading the line up front.
For best bets, Argentina to win and both teams to score could be a good option considering their attacking prowess and Canada’s ability to find the back of the net. Over 2.5 goals could also be a good bet given the attacking talent on display from both teams.
Overall, this match promises to be an exciting encounter between two talented teams looking to make their mark in the 2024 Copa America. Fans can expect a high-quality game with plenty of goals and drama as Argentina takes on Canada in what should be a thrilling match-up.
