COPA AMÉRICA 2024
What do Argentina need to do to qualify for the next round of the Copa América?
La Albiceleste are in a strong position in the group after a solid win over Canada.
Things are looking rosy for Lionel Scaloni and his players, who got a strong win over a Canada side still looking for that new-manager bounce. With Jesse Marsch at the helm, some dared to speculate that his style of play could spring a surprise on the world champions, who had only lost a single game since beating France in Qatar back in 2022.
Alas, despite the North Americans having 10 shots and putting up over a goal in xG, the numbers did not translate into a result on the pitch and goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez made sure that there was no way back for Canada in the opening game in the Copa América.
The result puts Canada bottom of the group and, consequently, Argentina top. The world champions are in a strong position to qualify for the knockout rounds of the tournament as they look to defend their title. But will another win see them through?
If Argentina beat Chile, will they qualify?
It could be enough. Six points would be sufficient for Lionel Scaloni’s side to book their ticket in the Round of 16 of the Copa América, should Perú, on one point, not beat Canada. At that point, Canada, Chile and Perú would be unable to catch them, given the draw between the latter two in their opener, and they would not be able to catch up with just a game to go.
Were Perú to win against Canada, that would put them on 4 points, meaning they could still catch Argentina with a win against them on the final gameday of the group stage.
Copa América Group A standings:
| Position | Team | Points | Goal difference | Next game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 3 | +3 | vs Chile |
| 2 | Chile | 1 | 0 | vs Argentina |
| 3 | Perú | 1 | 0 | vs Canada |
| 4 | Canada | 0 | -0 | vs Perú |
What happens if Argentina draw or lose against Chile?
A draw against Chile would keep things interesting for the final game but it would not mean the end for Argentina as they would still, with four points, have a great chance of topping the group.
The same goes for the case of a loss. Were Argentina to be shocked by Chile, they could still qualify as group leaders with a strong win over their final opponents. Goal difference is the tie-breaker and then goals scored, meaning that head-to-head will not come into any decision making during the tournament.
Up next for Canada as they look to kick-start their tournament is a game against Perú. The South American side put up a good fight against Chile, and will no be pushovers in the fixture as they look to add to their points tally in what is turning into a fascinating Group A.