The Mexico men's national team has drawn Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia in Group C at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, organizers announced Friday. Mexico has qualified consecutively since 1994.
Mexico finished second in the eight-team Octagonal behind Canada, but ahead of their archrivals, the United States.
El Tri locked up their berth on the final night of qualification Wednesday with a 2-0 win over El Salvador, where they recorded their fifth straight shutout dating back to Jan. 30. Mexico's 28-point total was three better than the Americans' output.
Qatar will mark Mexico's 17th appearance at the World Cup. The team's best finishes to date are in 1970 and 1986 when Mexico finished in the quarterfinals. Mexico entered the draw as 80-1 to win the 2022 World Cup, with Brazil and France as the co-favorites at 11-2.
Argentina booked their spot in Qatar by finishing second in South American World Cup qualifying behind Brazil, despite remaining undefeated throughout, winning eleven and drawing six of their 17 matches. They are considered as one of the favorites to win the tournament following their triumph at the Copa America last summer.
Poland finished behind England in their World Cup qualification group but secured their spot at the 2022 World Cup by beating Sweden in a playoff. In Russia they exited at the group stage, finishing bottom of their group behind Colombia, Japan and Senegal.
Saudi Arabia are ever-improving at international level and are at their highest FIFA world ranking since 2008. They beat both Japan and Australia in qualifying, finishing second in their group, relegating the latter nation to the inter-confederation playoffs.
The competition gets underway on Monday, Nov. 21. Qatar will play in the first match, kicking off at 1 p.m. AST (local)/6 a.m. ET.
For more updates on the full World Cup draw, follow The Athletic's live blog here.
What is Mexico's schedule?
Tuesday, Nov. 22: Mexico vs. Poland
Saturday, Nov. 26: Mexico vs. Argentina
Wednesday, Nov. 30: Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia
What is the full World Cup draw?
- Group A: Qatar (hosts), Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador
- Group B: England, United States, Iran, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
- Group C: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia
- Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia, Peru/Australia/UAE
- Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica/New Zealand
- Group F: Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, Canada
- Group G: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon
- Group H: Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana
(Photo: Hector Vivas / Getty Images)
Will Mexico be happy with this draw?
Felipe Cardenas, staff writer: I think so. Argentina are one of the tournament's favorites, but Mexico will feel good about their chances to advance. Poland will be a tricky opening match. Mexico will then face Argentina in the second match, which could be favorable for them. If Mexico defeats Poland, a draw against Argentina and a win over Saudi Arabia will do it for El Tri.
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How dangerous are Argentina?
Cardenas: They're a favorite. Argentina not only have Lionel Messi, but they haven't lost in over 30 matches, including during the entirety of CONMEBOL qualifying. Argentina are a complete squad and they believe in their chances to lift the World Cup trophy.
How dangerous are Saudi Arabia?
Cardenas: For many around the world, Saudi Arabia will be an enigma. But the Saudis were strong throughout Asia World Cup qualifying. Manager Hervé Renard has international tournament experience and will no doubt have his team prepared to be the underdog in Group C.
How dangerous are Poland?
Cardenas: Any team that has Robert Lewandowski are a threat to score. The Poles dispatched Sweden in one of the European playoffs and look to be a side on the rise. Poland are physical, technical and will fancy themselves to at least finish second in the group.
