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Argentina vs Canada Odds, Predictions, Projected Lineups & Best Bets for 2024 Copa America

Sascha Paruk

by Sascha Paruk in Soccer News

Updated Jun 24, 2024 · 11:10 AM PDT

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez celebrate a goal for Argentina against Guatemala
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%).

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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.

YouTube video

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.

YouTube video

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 (4-4-2)
Emiliano Martinez (GK) Maxime Crepeau (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)

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