What Canada needs to advance to knockout stage at Copa America 2024
Canada Soccer
Canada will look to make more history at the Copa America Saturday evening against Chile.
Canada only needs a draw against Chile to move out of the group stage but that’s assuming Argentina doesn’t lose to Peru on Saturday in Miami. Although Lionel Messi won’t be in the lineup, so a Peru win and a Canada draw would eliminate Les Rouges by goal differential.
This doesn’t seem like as much of a daunting task on paper but this is a Chilean squad that has history on its side. Chile have not been eliminated from a Copa America group stage since 2004 and have won the tournament twice in the last decade.
Chile is also expected to be a tougher opponent than Peru, who Canada was able squeak out a 1-0 victory against but hadn’t found a way to break through until Miguel Araujo was sent off in the 59th minute because of a red card.
While Chile has usually done well at Copa America, they have failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cup tournaments. They have just one win in six matches in qualifying for the 2026 tournament. Only eight places separate them and Canada in the FIFA rankings.
Chile will also be without manager Ricardo Gareca after he received a one-match touchline ban for failing to arrive on time for the whistle.