Copa America: Canada vs. Chile Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

In what is effectively a winner-takes-all clash, this one is tough to call. The ball is in Canada's court as they know a draw will likely qualify them for the quarter-finals given Peru have to face Argentina in their final game, so the incentive to go all out is probably not quite there. Chile, however, need to win in order to advance so they'll have to approach this game with some bravery.

Despite Canada having three points on the board, Chile have arguably looked the better of the two sides in the opening two games and are unlucky to only have one point. Canada were second best in their game against Peru but were effectively saved by a red card to their opponents, a luxury Chile were not afforded.

Ultimately, Chile are the more tournament-savvy team in international competition and have recent experience of navigating their way through situations like this, so despite the fact we think this game will be extremely close we fancy the South Americans to get the job done - just about. Canada 0-1 Chile.

The upcoming match between Canada and Chile in the Copa América promises to be a riveting encounter, with both teams eager to secure crucial points in Group A. As they prepare to face off this Sunday, the context and recent performances of both sides provide a rich narrative for what should be a compelling match.

• Date: 30/06/2024
• Kick-off time: 01:00
• Location: Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando

Canada currently stand 2nd in Group A, having garnered three points from their opening two games. They began their campaign with a challenging match against the reigning world champions, Argentina. Despite a valiant effort, Canada succumbed to a defeat, yet their performance was commendable, showcasing resilience and determination against one of the world's top footballing nations.

In their second match, Canada managed to secure a narrow win over Peru. This victory was critical, not just for the three points but also for boosting the team’s morale and confidence. The narrow margin of their win reflects the competitive nature of this tournament, where even games with ostensible talent gaps are often closely contested.

Canada's footballing journey has seen significant improvement in recent years. The pinnacle of their achievements came when they qualified for the 2022 World Cup, a landmark moment that signified their rising stature in international football. However, following this achievement, the team experienced a sharp decline, struggling to maintain their form and consistency.

The appointment of American Jesse Marsch as their manager has brought a noticeable change. Under Marsch’s guidance, Canada have shown marked improvements, becoming a tough team to contend with. This is Canada’s first appearance in the Copa América, and they are keen to make a lasting impression by reaching the knockout stages, a feat they have yet to accomplish in their World Cup appearances.

Chile, on the other hand, find themselves in 3rd place in Group A with just one point from their first two games. They began their Copa América journey with a drab draw against Peru, a match that lacked the dynamism and effectiveness the team hoped to display. Their second game saw them narrowly lose to Argentina in a match where they put up a commendable effort but ultimately fell short.

The period between 2010 and 2016 was the golden era for Chilean football, marked by two Copa América triumphs and reaching the last 16 of the World Cup twice. However, since then, the team has experienced a slow decline. Struggles in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have been evident, yet in the current Copa América, Chile have shown resilience and a tough-to-beat attitude.

Chile’s current squad features a few members of their famous old guard, players who were pivotal during their golden era. Claudio Bravo, now 41, continues to be a presence in goal, bringing experience and leadership. Mauricio Isla, at 36, provides stability and a wealth of experience in defence. Alexis Sánchez, still a key figure at 35, offers creativity and scoring ability up front. These veterans bring a blend of experience and tenacity, qualities that will be crucial in their match against Canada.

These two teams have only met once before, in a friendly match back in 1987 that ended in a 2-2 draw. While this historical context adds a layer of intrigue, it has little bearing on the current competitive landscape. Both teams have evolved significantly since then, and their current encounter in the Copa América will be a fresh chapter in their footballing rivalry.

For Canada, a win against Chile would very likely secure their place in the knockout stages, marking a successful debut in the Copa América. The team's recent form and tactical discipline under Marsch give them a good chance of achieving this goal. On the other hand, Chile will be desperate for a win to keep their hopes of advancing alive. A loss or even a draw would spell the end of their tournament journey, adding immense pressure on Gareca’s men.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K. viewers on Premier Sports 1.

Canada Team News:

Jacob Shaffelburg provided an assist off the bench last time out for Canada so he'll be hoping he's done enough to force his way into this weekend's starting lineup.

However, don't expect many changes to an XI that collected a very good result last time out, especially given there are no injuries or suspensions to contend with.

Chile Team News:

Diego Valdes is a doubt for the Chileans after missing the game against Argentina with a knock.

Like Canada, Chile are expected to name a similar XI to the one that took to the pitch last time out.

Mauricio Isla, Gabriel Suazo, Víctor Dávila, Alexis Sánchez and Erick Pulgar are all one booking away from a one-match suspension.

Canada are entering this game with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five games. Their first three games saw them contest friendlies with Trinidad & Tobago, the Netherlands and France, and those games ended in a 2-0 win, a 4-0 defeat and a 0-0 draw.

In this tournament, Canada kicked off with a 2-0 defeat against Argentina, a result that while negative produced a lot of positives stemming from the performance, with the North Americans competing well with Argentina while posing a legitimate threat on the break.

Both Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David missed chances in the first half, and while Lionel Messi's creative magic made the North Americans pay in the second half as he provided assists to both Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, Canada can be pleased with their showing.

In their second game the going was tough, with Canada struggling to assert themselves over a stubborn Peru side. The South Americans should have taken the lead in the first half but Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made a fine save before Peru had a goal disallowed for offside.

A red card in the second half changed the game for the better (from a Canadian perspective) as they professionally exploited the one man advantage as Jonathan David sealed the team's first-ever Copa América win with a goal in the 74th minute.

Canada were forced to hang on even with ten men, with Crépeau making a couple of excellent injury-time saves, but they held on to their slender lead to claim a fine 1-0 win.

Chile's last five encounters have seen them claim two wins, two losses and one draw. In three pre-tournament friendlies they beat Albania 3-0, lose to France 3-2 and beat Paraguay 3-0. Their results in this competition haven't quite been as positive yet, with their opener against Peru ending in a forgettable 0-0 draw, a result that was not of any great surprise given the two sides have scored a combined four goals in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Still, Chile were the better team and had the best chance to win the game, a chance that Alexis Sánchez could not convert.

Chile followed that game up with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina, a defeat that occurred only by the skin of Argentina's teeth as Chile delivered a fine defensive performance, holding out until the 88th minute where Lautaro Martínez netted the winner. Again, it was a result that brought positives for the team who are showing themselves to be a very strong defensive unit.

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