Canada will be making their debut at Copa America 2024 and could be a tricky customer for opposition amid a recent rise and will have new manager Jesse Marsch’s experience to count on. They enjoyed a trip to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will want to build on that with an impressive showing this summer. Les Rouges were ineligible for the last two editions of the tournament but will have eyes on them as they take to the field in the United States for the CONMEBOL competition.
Jesse Marsch’s men have a difficult Group A to contend with. They’ll face world champions Argentina, who are favorites to win the trophy, Chile, who are always a threat, and Peru, an unpredictable nation with a ton of experience. It will be interesting to see how Alphonso Davies and Co. perform ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Predicted lineup of Canada National Football Team playing in Copa America 2024
Canada could turn out in a 4-4-2 formation, which Jesse Marsch has used recently, and it suited them. Their defense will be key as they try and keep the ever-dangerous Argentina at bay. They have a pacey group and three superstars who will be crucial if they are to exceed expectations and go far in the United States this summer.
Portland Timbers’ Maxime Crepeau is expected to start in goal, although he’ll face competition from Dayne St. Clair. The 17-cap Canadian goalkeeper impressed in a 0-0 friendly draw with France earlier in June.
Celtic’s Alistair Johnston, Colorado Rapids’ Moise Bombito, Malmo’s Derek Cornelius, and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies will likely line up in defense. All eyes will be on Davies and how he fares, with a move to Real Madrid looking increasingly likely for perhaps the best Canadian player in history.
Jesse Marsch’s midfield isn’t the strongest, but he should give starts to FC Porto’s Stephan Eustaquio and Watford’s Ismael Kone. The duo were midfield partners against France and did well in that game. Inter Milan’s versatile gem Tajon Buchanan and Preston winger Liam Miller could start out wide for the Canadians.
If Marsch goes with two up top, the American tactician will likely go with Mallorca’s Cyle Larin, who was excellent last season, and another star man in Lille’s Jonathan David. Those two will need to have their prolific boots on to get the goals required for a successful Copa America 2024 campaign.
Canada Predicted Lineup: (GK) Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Stephan Eustaquio, Ismael Kone; Tajon Buchanan, Liam Miller; Cyle Larin, Jonathan David
Team Strengths
Canada are an unknown beast and this could end up being a massive advantage for Jesse Marsch’s men this summer. They may be underdogs but they’ll like that tag and will want to prove themselves as worthy hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Unpredictable – Les Rouges will be somewhat of an unknown entity for their opponents and this could help them on their mission to shock the world. They have a squad of young guns who could catch the eye and make Canada proud.
- Jesse Marsch’s bright start – The former Leeds boss took over in May and has overseen two matches, but the 0-0 draw with France was one for the books. His use of Jonathan David has worked well as he’s got the striker more involved and the overreliance on Alphonso Davies was less required.
- Pacey counter—One of Canada’s biggest strengths is its speedy attackers, wingers, and fullbacks, which could work well in counterattacking situations in the States.
Team Weaknesses
Les Rouge’s inexperience is a glaring problem heading into Copa America and they know expectations of them aren’t too high. They’ve been placed in a group of seasoned winners which only further complicates matters.
- Lack of experience—Jesse Marsch’s squad doesn’t have any real winners other than Alphonso Davies, and that lack of know-how could be detrimental. They will face proven names such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Chile’s Alexis Sanchez, and Peru’s Renato Tapia. This tournament could be a learning curve for the youthful squad.
- New management—The change in management comes just a month before Copa America 2024, and this could be a hindrance as the squad adapts to a new coaching team. Marsch has experience, but his coaching methods might not get across in such a short space of time.
- World Cup failure – The Canadians crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the group stages and lost all three games. That was a tough group to contend with, but it painted the picture of how difficult major international tournaments can be for fairly inexperienced nations.
Canada Copa America 2024 Key Players to Watch Out For
Alphonso Davies – The Bayern Munich superstar is arguably the best left-back in world football, boasting an electric pace and an eye for goal. He’s lit up the Bundesliga for several years and could soon be lining up for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. He’s his nation’s catalyst, with 15 goals and 18 assists in 47 caps. The 23-year-old will want to make history with Les Rouges this summer.
Jonathan David – Canada will need to be prolific in the States if they are to advance to the quarter-finals and Jonathan David is the man tasked with striking gold. He was excellent last season at club level and is one of Europe’s in-demand forwards, with a record of 26 goals in 46 caps. He could play himself into a big-money move if he catches the eye at Copa America 2024.
Tajon Buchanan—Inter Milan swooped for the young, versatile wideman who can play almost anywhere he‘s asked, including on the wing and at full-back. That versatility could be crucial for Canada in their hopes of making it far this summer. He’s a profile that will suit Jesse Marsch as he boasts similarities to adaptable talent the American has coached at Leeds United and RB Leipzig previously.
Conclusion
Canada will have pulled off a major shock if they advance beyond the group stages given the tough opposition they’ll face. They can be proud if they get a win under their belt and even prouder not to finish bottom of Group A.