Group C at the 2022 World Cup promises to be one of the most exciting as Lionel Messi and Argentina prepare to head into battle as the overwhelming favourites to advance to the knockout stages.
This could potentially be Messi’s final chance to win football’s biggest prize but this time around, he won’t be expected to lead Argentina all on his own. Looking to stop them in their tracks, however, are Saudi Arabia, World Cup regulars Mexico and Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
Mirror Football tells you all you need to know about the Group C contestants, including how they qualified, who you should look out for and when their fixtures take place.
Argentina
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World Cup appearances - 17
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FIFA world ranking - 3
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Head coach - Lionel Scaloni
Despite an ageing Messi and a disastrous round of 16 exit at Russia 2018, Argentina are getting back to their best and are once again amongst the favourites to lift their first World Cup trophy since 1986.
After crashing out early in the tournament four years ago, La Albiceleste came third at the 2019 Copa America, before winning it two years later. There was also a 2022 Finalissima triumph back in June, while they qualified for Qatar with ease after 11 wins from 17 games and remaining unbeaten to finish second in the South American qualifying section.
As expected, all eyes will be on Messi as he remains the star of the show, but the likes of Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez will all be keen to impress. With one of the strongest strike forces in the tournament, Argentina should top Group C with ease.
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Saudi Arabia
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World Cup appearances - 5
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FIFA world ranking - 51
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Head coach - Herve Renard
Group C minnows Saudi Arabia are competing in their second successive World Cup after returning to the scene in 2018 following a 12 year absence and will now be looking to improve on their group stage finish four years ago.
After a disappointing round of 16 exit at the 2019 Asian Cup, The Green Falcons comfortably topped their group in the second round of World Cup qualifying, before doing the same again in the third round as they finished above the likes of Japan and Australia.
Renard oversaw Morocco’s group stage exit in 2018, while one’s to watch for Saudi Arabia include midfield duo Fahad Al-Muwallad and Salem Al-Dawsari, who have 17 goals each for the national team. However, making it out of the group, let alone finishing anywhere above fourth, is a tall order.
Mexico
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World Cup appearances - 16
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FIFA world ranking - 13
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Head coach - Gerardo Martino
Mexico have qualified for their eighth successive World Cup and will be hoping that this may finally be the year they make it past the round of 16, having been knocked out at the same stage of the competition in their last seven appearances.
Just a year after losing to Brazil in 2018, El Tri lifted the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, before finishing as runners-up two years later. They then secured their passage into the World Cup back in March as runners-up in North American qualifying, behind only Canada on goal difference after eight wins from 14 matches.
Mexico have always brought talented squads to the World Cup and the likes of veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and attacking trio Raul Jimenez, Jesus Corona and Hirving Lozano will be key ahead of a likely battle with Poland for the runners-up spot in Group C.
Poland
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World Cup appearances - 8
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FIFA world ranking - 26
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Head coach - Czeslaw Michniewicz
Poland have secured qualification for back-to-back World Cup’s and after crashing out in the group stage in 2018, will be hoping to go one further and reach the knockout stages for the first time since making the last 16 in 1986.
After finishing bottom of their group four years ago, Poland also suffered the same fate at Euro 2020. Qualification was secured for Qatar, however, via a 2-0 play-off final win over Sweden in March, having finished second in their initial qualifying group behind England.
With Lewandowski in attack, Poland will always pose a threat and stand a good chance of making it out of this year’s group. The likes of Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski and Juventus forward Arkadiusz Milik will also be key if they are to avoid another early exit.
Group C fixtures
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia - Tuesday, November 22 (10am)
Mexico vs Poland - Tuesday, November 22 (4pm)
Poland vs Saudi Arabia - Saturday, November 26 (1pm)
Argentina vs Mexico - Saturday, November 26 (7pm)
Poland vs Argentina - Wednesday, November 30 (7pm)
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico - Wednesday, November 30 (7pm)
