World Cup Group C: Argentina have record run in their sights

Only Brazil and Argentina rank higher in terms of non-European teams in international football so Mexico will be confident of progressing to the last 16, as they have at the last seven editions of the World Cup.

They meet Poland in their opening match so need to hit the ground running, especially given they lost to Argentina at the finals in 2006 and 2010.

An ageing squad and a lack of goals look their biggest weaknesses, especially with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez struggling for form and fitness.

Poland

Robert Lewandowski has helped to fill the void at Barcelona left by Messi’s departure and now has the chance to outshine the PSG man at the World Cup.

Unfortunately for Lewandowski, Poland are much more reliant on their star man and have struggled to make an impact at major tournaments even with him in the team.

They have failed to make it out of their World Cup group since 1986 and flopped at the European Championship last year so the writing will be on the wall if they lose to Mexico in their first game.

Saudi Arabia

Betting odds of 5/2 for Saudi Arabia to lose all three group games highlight the task facing them although this is their sixth appearance in the last eight editions of the World Cup.

Only once, on their World Cup debut in 1994, have they made it out of their group but they managed a win against Egypt four years ago in what was effectively a dead rubber.

They will hope the conditions work in their favour at the first World Cup to be staged in the Arab world, and five 1-0 wins in their 10 qualifiers give an indication as to their likely tactics.

World Cup Group C fixtures

Nov 22: Argentina v Saudi Arabia, 10am, Lusail Stadium, ITV

Nov 22: Mexico v Poland, 4pm, Stadium 974, BBC

Nov 26: Poland v Saudi Arabia, 1pm, Education City Stadium, ITV

Nov 26: Argentina v Mexico, 7pm, Lusail Stadium, ITV

Nov 30: Poland v Argentina, 7pm, Stadium 974, BBC

Nov 30: Saudi Arabia v Mexico, 7pm, Lusail Stadium, BBC

World Cup Group C winner odds

2/5 Argentina

5/1 Mexico

5/1 Poland

25/1 Saudi Arabia

Odds to qualify

1/16 Argentina

10/11 Mexico

10/11 Poland

6/1 Saudi Arabia

View the latest World Cup odds

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication