The 2022 FIFA World Cup continues as Saudi Arabia and Mexico square off in the final round of group play at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday. The two teams are still eligible to advance out of the group with different scenarios. Saudi Arabia are currently in third place with three points, while Mexico is in last place with one point. Both teams will enter the match in a must-win mindset, as three points and some added help during Poland vs. Argentina is the path forward to the round of 16.
Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Wednesday, November 30 | Time: 2 p.m. ET
- Location: Lusail Stadium -- Qatar
- TV: FS1 and Telemundo | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
- Odds: Saudi Arabia +380; Draw +280; Mexico -145 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Team news
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's opening group win over Argentina has helped set the stage for a chaotic finish to Group C. Three points would secure a spot in the round of 16, and draw is only favorable if Poland defeat Argentina by three goals. A place in knockout rounds would be only the second time for the country after an appearance in 1994. Head coach Hervé Renard has been forced into adjustments for this game after midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki picked up his second yellow card in the loss to Poland. That means it could be an opportunity for Nawad Al-Abed or Ali Al-Hassan to step up in position.
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Mexico: Tata Martino's group are starring down the barrel of elimination and Mexico's worst World Cup finish in decades. The team has reached the knockout rounds in seven consecutive World Cup tournaments. That streak is in danger of ending and a lack of goal scoring will be partially to blame. The team is scoreless in two previous group matches and faces a must-win scenario against Saudi Arabia. Hirving Lozano has been making the runs while Alexi Vega has been lurking in support, but to zero results in goal. Raul Jimenez was added as an attacking option while still nursing an injury and there is no more time to waste for El Tri, they need meaningful minutes out of the forward.
Prediction
Both teams will be on the hunt for all three points and that will lead to some exciting open action between them. Mexico will finally score at the World Cup but it will be too little and too late. Pick: Mexico 2, Saudi Arabia 1
Group C table
| GROUP C | MP | W-D-L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
POL
Poland
| 2 | 1-1-0 | +2 | 4 |
ARG
Argentina
| 2 | 1-0-1 | +1 | 3 |
KSA
Saudi Arabia
| 2 | 1-0-1 | -1 | 3 |
MEX
Mexico
| 2 | 0-1-1 | -2 | 1 |
- Poland: Can win the group and qualify for the round of 16 with a victory over Argentina. Can also qualify for the round of 16 with a draw but would only win the group in that case if Saudi Arabia draws or loses to Mexico.
- Argentina: Can qualify for the round of 16 with a win over Poland. Can also qualify for the round of 16 with a draw and a Saudi Arabia draw or loss by fewer than three goals to Mexico. Can win the group with a victory and a Saudi Arabia draw or loss.
- Saudi Arabia: Can qualify for the round of 16 with a win over Mexico. Can also qualify with a draw and a loss by Argentina or a loss and Argentina losing by one more goal. (i.e. Saudi Arabia loses 1-0 and Argentina loses 2-0 would see Saudi Arabia advance
- Mexico: Can qualify for the round of 16 with a win and a Poland victory over Argentina. Can also qualify by winning and making up the goal difference advantage on Poland/Argentina while Argentina defeats or draws Poland.