The Group C at this year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup has pitted two of the world football’s most prolific attackers Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski against each other, as Argentina and Poland will lock horns, alongside Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Messi’s reigning Copa America champions, Argentina are firm favourites to win the group given their scintillating form. And with the ‘La Pulga’ announcing days ago that this will be his last ever FIFA World Cup, he will surely do everything to get his hands on that golden trophy.
However, Messi and Argentina’s hopes of emerging as group winners could be foiled by Robert Lewandowski’s Poland. The European nation will also fancy their chances of dashing into the La Albiceleste’s remarkable unbeaten run of 34 games, by inflicting a surprise defeat. But Poland’s top priority will be qualifying for the knockouts out of a group which bears two nations with rich history at the FIFA World Cup.
Mexico are one of the favourites as well to make it to the knockouts through this group and causing some major upsets. The El Tri have a significant record of qualifying for the knockouts of the World Cup in every edition since 1994. No wonder they will look to extend it at this year’s tournament, backed by some serious talent in the squad and thrilling football.
Saudi Arabia, the minnows of this group, on the other hand are yet to get past the group stage since 1994, and can only hope of breaking the jinx this year against the likes of Argentina, Poland and Mexico.
FIFA World Cup: Group C table
| Position | Country | Played | W | D | L | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Argentina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
0 |
|
3 |
Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Poland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
0 |
Group C fixtures
| Date | Match | Time (IST) | Stadium |
| Tues, Nov. 22 | Argentina vs. S. Arabia | 3:30 PM | Lusail |
| Tues, Nov. 22 | Mexico vs. Poland | 9:30 PM | Stadium 974 |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | Poland vs. S. Arabia | 6:30 PM | Education City |
| Sat, Nov. 27 | Argentina vs. Mexico | 12:30 AM | Lusail |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Poland vs. Argentina | 12:30 AM | Stadium 974 |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | S. Arabia vs. Mexico | 12:30 AM | Lusail |
Group C Key Fixtures
The Argentina vs Poland clash on December 1 headlines Group C fixture-list, with Messi up against Lewandowski. However, footballing world will also be on the edge of its seat for the historical outing between Argentina and Mexico. Argentina’s attack of Leo Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel di Maria, against Mexico shot-stopper Guillermo Ochoa, who has lit up the previous two editions with his outstanding displays will be a key battle. The Poland vs Mexico showdown could also be one of the deciders which can shape the standings of the Group C.
Group C Squads
So far, none of the four teams in this group have let out their list of final 26 players who will be represent them at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But it is imminent that the likes of Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Angel di Maria, Raul Gimenez, Hirving Lozano, Guillermo Ochoa, Lautaro Martinez and many more will appear for their respective nations.
Argentina squad: Final squad TBC
Saudi Arabia squad: Final squad TBC
Poland squad: Final squad TBC
Mexico squad: Final squad TBC