Prediction: Peru vs Canada

Verdict: Both teams score 

Best odds: 23/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Despite opening the Copa America campaign with a positive result against Chile, Peru has to improve their performance considering the decisive game against Canada. It will be an all-or-nothing contest in Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park where the Canadians might suffer an early shock exit from the competition.

Peru

While the 2026 World Cup qualifications are in limbo following an awful start that positioned Peru last with two points after 6 games, appointing Ricardo Gareca at the beginning of the year proved a great strategic move. Even if the hosts are not considered a force in South American football, the change gave hopes for better results in Copa America.

Starting his journey as head coach of the Peru national team, Ricardo Gareca significantly improved the squad since taking over back in January 2024. Although the experienced Chilean boss was not given great chances to succeed, he remained undefeated with 3 wins and 2 draws. While most games were friendlies before the Copa America debut, defeating Dominican Republic 4-1 was a statement win that proved Peru would be a difficult opponent in this tournament.

Despite Chille being tipped to defeat Peru in the opening game of Group A, Ricardo Gareca’s team displayed resilience in front of his country’s team by successfully neutralizing all of Chile’s attacking power leading to a goalless stalemate. Still, facing World Champions Argentina in the last group match makes the Canada battle Ricardo Gareca’s most important game since taking over the team.

Furthermore, despite showing clear improvements at the back following three consecutive games with clean sheets, Los Incas have a lot of work to do upfront after scoring a single goal in these games. Although the hosts narrowly escaped with a point against Chile while being dominated, playing against Canada and Argentina will further test Peru’s defensive line.

Team News

Luis Advincula sustained an Achilles tendon injury that will see him out for the Canada game. Record goalscorer Paolo Guerrero is expected to start again and open his goal-scoring account in this tournament.

Canada

Canada had a disappointing year with below-expectations results. While the visitors were tipped with great chances to win the Gold Cup, a disappointing performance against the USA had Canada knocked out early from the completion. However, despite this major setback, The Reds edged Trinidad and Tobago in Texas (2-0) to secure their presence at Copa America.

Even if this result lifted the mood in Canada’s camp, two friendly tests against France and the Netherlands left former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch with more questions unanswered. While playing at the same level as France in a 0-0 draw was considered a positive result, suffering a heavy defeat to the Netherlands left Canada fans fuming after witnessing their favourites conceding four goals in a no-contest 4-0 loss.

Furthermore, the Copa America debut was not expected to change Canada’s fall who suffered a defeat in their debut against Argentina. Despite Jesse Marsch’s players defending better in the first half by blocking the Albiceleste from scoring, Manchester City superstar Julian Alvarez netted in the opening four minutes of the second half. A late strike from Lautaro Martinez which sealed the final result (2-0) left Canada with a single option to progress further: a win against Peru.

The Reds find themselves in a difficult position following the latest disappointing results with only three wins in all matches (12) over a year, facing a decisive game against an in-form Peru who is undefeated in the last six games. More so, Jesse Marsch could face the sack if he doesn’t reach the knockout phase of Copa America.

Team News

Richie Laryea’s return to the squad after missing several games with injury is great news for Jesse Marsch. The American coach hopes to see Jonathan David score after failing to make an impact in the latest games.

Key factors to consider

• Peru is undefeated in the last six games (W3D3)
• The host defense is at the highest level conceding a single goal in the last five games
• Ricardo Gareca’s side won a point against Chile in their Copa America debut
• Canada recorded two wins in the last eight games
• The visitors can suffer an early exit from Copa America if they fail to win against Peru
• The Reds lost against Argentina (2-0) in their opening game

Conclusion

Canada is playing its last chance to remain in Copa America following the defeat suffered in the first game against Argentina. Although the visitors are expected to play on the front foot, Peru can explore the empty spaces left behind the back line.

Verdict: Both teams score 

Best odds: 23/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet