Copa America 2026 kicks off today with the tournament’s opening fixtures, establishing early momentum in what promises to be a fiercely competitive continental campaign. Today’s matches will set the tone for group composition and establish which nations arrive ready to impose their football immediately. Early results often define knockout qualification paths — this is where tournaments are won and lost.
Argentina vs Colombia
Argentina arrive as defending champions and favorite for back-to-back titles, but Colombia’s depth and pressing intensity make them dangerous openers. Messi’s absence from this cycle shifts the narrative entirely — whoever controls midfield controls this match. Colombia have been building consistency; a win here would legitimize their title credentials immediately.
WAF Pick: Argentina — The experience advantage and psychological weight of defending champions typically prevails in tournament openers, even without Messi. Expect Argentina to suffocate Colombia’s midfield with possession control.
Brazil vs Paraguay
Brazil cannot afford a sluggish start in a group that will demand immediate establishment of dominance. Paraguay are compact and organized but lack the offensive firepower to trouble Brazil’s attacking depth for 90 minutes. This is a statement-making fixture for the Seleção.
WAF Pick: Brazil — Routine business. Vinicius and Rodrygo should run riot down the flanks. Paraguay’s defensive organization buys them a respectable scoreline, nothing more.
Colombia defeating Argentina would immediately reshape tournament narrative and suggest the old guard’s grip on Copa America is genuinely slipping. Early shocks define tournaments.
