Group C Overview
Two-time world champions Argentina are the standout team in Group C.
The Argentines are joined by a Mexico team who have reached the last 16 in seven consecutive World Cups, a Robert Lewandowski-led Poland and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia are competing in their sixth World Cup and aiming to make it out of the group for the first time since 1994.
The Favourites: Argentina
World Cup winners in 1978 and 1986, Argentina won the 2021 Copa América, but have underwhelmed at the World Cup in the Lionel Messi era aside from a runners-up finish in 2014.
Knocked out at the last 16 four years ago, Argentina were also only quarter-finalists in 2006 and 2010.
While La Albiceleste are not blessed with the same depth of attacking talent as previous editions, the squad has greater balance in what is likely Messi’s last shot at World Cup glory.
Lautaro Martinez has a great record for the national side, and there are options in midfield and defence. Their form is spectacular, too, having not lost since the 2019 Copa América.
Argentina are 4/9 favourites to win Group C at Sporting Index.
Mexico
A reliable World Cup performer, Mexico have made it out of the group stage in the last seven World Cups but have never progressed further than the round of 16.
El Tri have suffered three friendly defeats to Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia since securing their World Cup berth.
The squad has plenty of experience, led by veterans Andrés Guardado and Héctor Moreno, along with younger talents like Hirving Lozano and Edson Álvarez.
It is a big ask to top the group, but on paper, this squad has enough to continue their streak of reaching the knockouts.
Mexico are 7/4 to finish second in Group C with BetVictor.
Poland
Poland haven’t made it out of the group stage at the World Cup since 1986, and picked up one point from three matches at last summer’s Euros.
Robert Lewandowski is one of the world’s best strikers, but this squad is generally short on quality beyond the Barcelona striker, Piotr Zieliński and Arkadiusz Milik.
With only one win in their last five matches, Poland’s form is a concern heading to Qatar. Their opening match with Mexico could prove decisive.
Poland are priced at evens to reach the knockout rounds at Unibet.
Saudi Arabia
A rank outsider in Group C, Saudi Arabia have lost 11 of their 16 World Cup matches, but they enter this tournament on a seven-match unbeaten streak, which has included five clean sheets.
Their defence will need to be resolute to pick up any points in Qatar.
Every member of the Saudi Arabia squad plays their club football in the Saudi Pro League. They were knocked out of the Arab Cup in the group stage last year, and fell in the round of 16 in the 2019 Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia are 7/1 to qualify from Group C at 888Sport.
Schedule and Venues
- 22nd November: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia, 10am, Lusail Iconic Stadium
- 22nd November: Mexico vs Poland, 4pm, Stadium 974
- 26th November: Poland vs Saudi Arabia, 1pm, Education City Stadium
- 26th November: Argentina vs Mexico, 7pm, Lusail Iconic Stadium
- 30th November: Argentina vs Poland, 7pm, Stadium 974
- 30th November: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico, 7pm, Lusail Iconic Stadium
All odds are subject to change
