Argentina vs Mexico – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Argentina vs Mexico on and what time does it start? Argentina vs Mexico will take place on Saturday 26th November, 2022 – 19:00 (UK)
Where is Argentina vs Mexico taking place? Argentina vs Mexico will take place at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Argentina vs Mexico? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Argentina vs Mexico
What channel is Argentina vs Mexico on in the UK? Argentina vs Mexico will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Argentina vs Mexico in the UK? Argentina vs Mexico can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE LOWDOWN
ARGENTINA
- Argentina were on the end of one of the most shocking FIFA World Cup defeats of all-time as they fell to defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening contest and the pressure is on as they aim to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
- Despite creating a plethora of chances in the first half, the Argentines could only find the back of the net through a Lionel Messi penalty and having struggled in front of goal, Man City’s Julian Alvarez could be introduced to the starting XI.
MEXICO
- Mexico and Poland played out a goalless draw in a tense Group C affair but the Mexicans were thankful to the heroics of goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who saved a second half penalty to keep the scores level.
- There was not a great deal between the teams in that contest but the Mexicans will need to be better in front of goal in this clash with Argentina and after Henry Martin failed to make much of an impact, he could be replaced by Raul Jimenez for this encounter.
THE TEAM NEWS
ARGENTINA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez; L. Martinez
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
MEXICO
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Herrera, Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Jimenez, Vega
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Argentina have won all of the previous three World Cup matches between these two nations. Most recently a 3-1 victory in the round of 16 in 2010. Their only previous meeting in a group stage at the finals was in 1930 when the South American’s claimed a 6-3 win
- Argentina have won each of their previous seven matches against CONCACAF representatives at the FIFA World Cup
- Defeat for Argentina would see them lose three successive World Cup matches for only the second time. They previously had a three-match run of defeats in 1930-1958
- Defeat for Argentina would see them lose two successive international matches since 2016
- Excluding penalty shoot-outs, Argentina have won only one of their last seven World Cup matches (D2 L4)
- Argentina have never started a World Cup tournament with two successive defeats
- An appearance for Lionel Messi will see him equal Diego Maradona’s Argentinian record of 21 matches played at the World Cup
- Lionel Messi has scored 11 goals in his last five international appearances for Argentina
- Mexico have lost only three of their last 21 World Cup group stage matches (W10 D8)
- Mexico have won only one of their previous 13 World Cup matches against South American opposition (D3 L9)
- Mexico have lost only one of their last five World Cup group stage matches against South American opposition (W1 D3)
- Mexico have kept five clean sheets in their last nine World Cup group stage matches
- Mexico have conceded a total of 98 goals at World Cup final tournaments. Heading into Qatar 2022, only Brazil and Germany have conceded more than 100
- Mexico have not scored a goal in their last three World Cup matches. They have had a run of three matches without scoring on two previous occasions but have never played four in a row without finding the net
- Andrés Guardado and Guillermo Ochoa are featuring for a record-equalling fifth time at the World Cup, they are among the four players to reach this number at Qatar 2022. Overall, eight players have achieved the feat, including fellow Mexican players Rafael Márquez and Antonio Carbajal
- Andrés Guardado has played 13 World Cup matches, only Rafael Márquez (19) has made more appearances for Mexico in the competition
THE PREDICTION
Argentina suffered a stunning upset against Saudi Arabia and they have it all to do to progress in what is a tough Group C. They will be desperate to come out on top of this clash with Mexico but the pressure will be firmly on Lionel Scaloni’s side. That could end up spurring them on but Mexico will believe they can deal with their opponents. They played out a goalless draw with Poland in their first encounter and know another positive result will leave them well-placed to advance to the knockout stages. However, this is likely to be a tense affair and Mexico will rely on their sturdy defence to guide them to another result with a low-scoring encounter expected.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
