World Cup 2022 Group C: in-form Argentina can stroll through to knockout phase

The big kick-off in Qatar is just around the corner, and Group C World Cup 2022 promises to feature plenty of entertaining matches between four teams from four different confederations. In this preview we will assess each side’s chances of a successful tournament.

Which teams are in Group C at the World Cup?

Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland make up Group C. Argentina are the top seeds and the favourites to progress in first place, while each of the three other teams will believe they can advance as runners-up.

Group C World Cup fixtures

22 November, 10am: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

22 November, 4pm: Mexico vs Poland (Stadium 974, Doha)

26 November, 1pm: Poland vs Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

26 November, 7pm: Argentina vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

30 November, 7pm: Poland vs Argentina (Stadium 974, Doha)

30 November, 7pm: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Argentina FIFA ranking has them in fourth, behind only Brazil, Belgium and France. Lionel Scaloni inherited a mess when he took charge, initially on an interim basis, after Russia 2018, but he has made Argentina a force again over the last four years.

La Albiceleste won the Copa America in Brazil last summer and were largely excellent throughout World Cup qualification. They recently beat Italy, the European champions, 3-0 at Wembley. Crucially, Lionel Messi is still producing his best for the national team despite an underwhelming debut campaign for Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentina World Cup team are among the favourites to lift the trophy this December. Messi and co. will take some stopping in Qatar, although the chief doubt concerns a creaking defence that still includes the 34-year-old Nicolas Otamendi.

Argentina’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

22 November, 10am: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

26 November, 7pm: Argentina vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

30 November, 7pm: Poland vs Argentina (Stadium 974, Doha)

Saudi Arabia: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

Saudi Arabia’s FIFA ranking of 49 illustrates the fact they are the Group C underdogs. The Saudis have now qualified for five of the last seven World Cups, but they have not got out of the group since 1994. They will struggle to do so this time around too, although Herve Renard has brought through some promising young talent since taking the reins in 2019.

Every member of the Saudi Arabia World Cup team plies his trade back home. Renard has been trying to encourage more players to move abroad in order to further their careers; without doing so, it is hard to see how their FIFA ranking will substantially improve.

The Green Falcons have to face Argentina in their first game, which means they are likely to be playing catch-up from the start. They are underdogs to finish in the top two but Renard is an astute coach who could pull off a surprise if Lady Luck smiles on the Saudis.

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

22 November, 10am: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

26 November, 1pm: Poland vs Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

30 November, 7pm: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Mexico: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Mexico FIFA ranking is currently ninth, but that probably oversells their overall ability. No Mexico World Cup team has reached the quarter-finals of the competition since the country hosted the 1986 edition. For a remarkable seven World Cups in a row, El Tri have bowed out in the round of 16.

They will struggle to break the quinto partido (fifth game) curse in Qatar. The Mexico team 2022 is weaker than some its recent predecessors, and results of late have been mixed. A 3-0 defeat by Uruguay at the start of June was particularly concerning for Tata Martino’s men.

Mexico do at least have experience of getting out of the group, and the squad at Martino’s disposal is not without talent. The first game against Poland could go a long way to determining their fate.

Mexico have reached the round of 16 for the last seven World Cups and will be hoping to go further than that in Qatar

Mexico’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

22 November, 4pm: Mexico vs Poland (Stadium 974, Doha)

26 November, 7pm: Argentina vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

30 November, 7pm: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Poland: FIFA Ranking, Squad, Fixtures

The Poland FIFA ranking of 26th places them some way below Mexico in ninth, but these two teams are much more evenly matched than that suggests. Poland are particularly strong in attack and recently went 21 consecutive games without drawing a blank.

However, Poland were tipped as one to watch ahead of the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, but on both occasions they were disappointing.

This could be Robert Lewandowski’s last major tournament and the striker and the rest of the Poland World Cup team will be determined to make a positive impression.

The worry is at the other end of the field, with clean sheets generally elusive. Facing Argentina on matchday three, when the South Americans may have already qualified for the last 16, could be a small advantage.

Poland’s World Cup 2022 Fixtures

22 November, 4pm: Mexico vs Poland (Stadium 974, Doha)

26 November, 1pm: Poland vs Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

30 November, 7pm: Poland vs Argentina (Stadium 974, Doha)

Verdict

Argentina should finish top of Group C World Cup with a minimum of fuss, and it is then likely to be a shoot-out between Mexico and Poland for second spot – with the Europeans perhaps holding a slight advantage.