Both Saudi Arabia and Mexico can still qualify for the last-16 of the World Cup when they meet later today.
Despite following their historic upset of Argentina with a disappointing defeat by Poland in Group C, the Saudis still have their fate in their own hands as they look to reach the knockout stages for only the second time ever.
If Herve Renard’s side beat Mexico, then they will be through to the round of 16 for the first time since USA 94, when they advanced from a group containing the Netherlands and Belgium before losing to Sweden.
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However, a draw here will only be enough if Lionel Messi and Argentina slip-up for the second time against Poland at Stadium 974 in Doha. The Saudis will be out if both matches are drawn, while it will come down to goal difference if Saudi Arabia draw and Poland are beaten by Argentina. Saudi Arabia cannot progress if they lose again.
For Mexico, victory is essential to have any chance of making the last-16, coupled with other results going their way. After opening with a goalless draw against the Poles, they were beaten 2-0 by Argentina thanks to moments of magic from Messi and Enzo Fernandez that lit up an otherwise drab affair on Saturday night.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico is scheduled for a 7pm GMT kick-off today, Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
The match will take place at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar.
Where to watch Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on BBC Two, with coverage beginning at 6:45pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico lineups and team news
Saudi Arabia XI: Al-Owais, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Bulayhi, Al-Ghanam, Al-Hassan, Kanno, Abdulhamid, Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari
Mexico XI: Ochoa, Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo, Edson Alvarez, Chavez, Lozano, Pineda, Vega, Martin
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico prediction
Saudi Arabia getting to this final game with their last-16 fate still in their own hands is a fantastic achievement in its own right, whatever transpires in Lusail on Wednesday evening.
Their stunning upset of Messi and much-fancied Argentina - which led to the creation of a new national holiday and suggestions of a Rolls Royce for each player - will go down in World Cup folklore.
But Renard’s side will have belief that they are far from done yet, despite being frustrated by Poland, with Salem Al Dawsari seeing a penalty saved and others including Mohammed Al Burayk, Saud Abdulhamid and Al Brikan all missing great opportunities in another competitive display.
Saudi Arabia will feel they have little to fear from Mexico, who had veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to thank for preserving a point against Poland by keeping out Lewandowski’s penalty.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s men did at least succeed in frustrating Argentina for long spells, but never looked capable of springing an upset of their own at the weekend.
They will be itching to ensure that their campaign does not end with a whimper, so it’s easy to foresee a draw that would eliminate Mexico and need Saudi Arabia needing a favour from Poland.
A 2-2 draw.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Mexico have won four of the five previous meetings between these two sides, scoring 14 goals and conceding just twice.
All of those matches came back in the 1990s, with no fixture yet this century. Saudi Arabia were thumped 5-1 in the last contest at the 1999 Confederations Cup, with hosts Mexico going on to lift the trophy.
Saudi Arabia wins: 0
Mexico wins: 4
Draws: 1
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico match odds
Saudi Arabia win: 4/1
Mexico win: 4/6
Draw: 31/10
