2022 FIFA World Cup - Group C details, prediction and broadcast info

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Argentina, Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia will get involved in a massive battle to determine the two teams that make the next round. Here's a glimpse of this group before the start of the competition.

Group C of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will give fans a chance to watch one of the top strikers in the world, one of the finest goalkeepers in the tournament, and to top it all the man who most people refer to as the best player to ever grace the football pitch. Three of the four teams included in this group might be considered candidates to reach the last eight, while one of them is seen by many experts as one of those teams that made the competition to complete the quota and return to their country after three games.

It will be interesting to watch Messi and his team-mates ready to lock horns against teams such as Mexico and Polonia, while the clash between these last teams could have a massive influence in the end result of the group. Let us have a closer look at each team's profile, strengths, and weaknesses before the first match kicks off.

Team descriptions: Who's who in Group C

Argentina - After a 28-year wait, La Albiceleste finally ended a title drought with the 2021 Copa América. Now, the South American giants get to the competition as true title contenders. Led by Lionel Messi in fine form, the 2021 Copa América holders seem destined not only to win the group, but to fight for the title like in the days of Diego Maradona. Messi has already stated that this will be his final World Cup, and leaving the top football competition in the globe on the highest note seems like a feasible option with players such as Lautaro Martínez, Di María, and Guido Rodríguez ready to step up to help "La Pulga".

Poland - The European side returns to a FIFA World Cup with much to prove and with one of the finest players in the world at their disposal. Robert Lewandowski will be key to the team's hopes for success, but that strategy has not worked for the Orly in previous World Cups, which is why players such as Krychowiak, Milik, Piatek, and Zielinski need to step up and help the Barcelona star to see the team through to the next round for the first time since 1986, when they were eliminated in the Group Stage.

Mexico - El Tri get to this World Cup with a skeptical fanbase and without showing something different from past editions of the tournament. It will be the last dance for players such as Guardado, Moreno, Herrera, and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, and all of the will want to steer the team to the Quarterfinals, a stage they have failed to reach since 1986. It is true that Mexico has always risen to the occasion and earned great results in the Group Stage (such as their win against Germany in Russia), but this edition led by Tata Martino seems to lack such passion, which may see them leave the tournament quickly if things do not go their way.

Saudi Arabia - The Asian side will get to this competition as one of the most experienced teams in the region, but with a mammoth task in hand: trying to reach the next round of the tournament for the first time since 1994. The Green Falcons had the honor of playing the opening match in 2018 against Russia, and they were dismantled by the hosts with an emphatic 5-0 loss. With that in mind, the team led by Herve Renard may want to take a more conservative approach during the group stage, and who knows? Maybe with good results against Mexico and Poland they could reach the next round for the first time in 28 years.

Must-watch games in Group C

The top match to keep an eye on in this group will be without a doubt the Poland vs Argentina game. There, Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi will add one more chapter to their rivalry, but this time with their country's pride at stake. The second most relevant game will be Argentina vs Mexico, two American teams with quite a rivalry in FIFA World Cup matches. Last, but not least, Mexico vs Poland will be one of those key matches for the outcome of the group, since both teams seem destined to fight for the runner-up spot.

Players to keep an eye on

Lionel Messi - What is left to say about the Argentine ace? Perhaps that this will be his final chance to win the FIFA World Cup title, and the smart money believes the thought of watching Messi take the title home is closer than ever. Messi will be playing in his fifth World Cup, which will see him join an elite list of footballers regardless of any other goalscoring records he might achieve.

Robert Lewandowski - The 2020 and 2021 FIFA The Best Award winner will be one of the main attractions in Qatar, especially since his arrival to Barcelona has injected him with new life and a desire to keep breaking records. This may also be his final chance to lead Poland into making history, and he will try to seize that opportunity against top rivals such as the ones he will face in the next few weeks.

Guillermo Ochoa - The Mexican goalkeeper has been the standout player for El Tri in the past two FIFA World Cup editions, and there is no reason to believe he will not do the same this time around. "Paco Memo" was awarded the Silver Glove in Russia 2018 despite only playing four games (the winner of the Golden Glove played seven), which shows just how reliable he can be under the sticks regardless of any criticism he may be subject to in his own country.

Salem Al-Dawsari - The former Villarreal player is seen by most as the most dangerous footballer for Saudi Arabia, with 17 international team for the Falcons. He scored the game-winning goal for the Saudis against Egypt in Russia 2018, which represented the team's first win in the competition after eleven straight games without a victory. Al-Dawsari is the most talented player from Saudi Arabia, and his performances will be crucial to the team's chances of success.

Group C prediction

Despite their recent performances in a FIFA World Cup, Argentina have to be considered as the team that will win this group, while Saudi Arabia seem to have no chance to leave the bottom of the lot. As for the second and third place, it will be a tough battle between Mexico and Poland, but it is our belief that Poland will emerge victorious over El Tri, who will see their run of seven FIFA World Cups making the KO stage come to an end.

1. Argentina - Through to the next round.

2. Poland - Through to the next round.

3. Mexico - Eliminated.

4. Saudi Arabia - Eliminated.

2022 FIFA World Cup - Group C schedule

This group's fixtures will begin on Tuesday, November 22 with the early kickoff match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia. The second matchday for this group will be on November 26, while the final day of action will take place on November 30.