World Cup 2026
Group C Preview

The reigning champions come in as one of the tournament favourites. With a squad built around Lautaro Martinez, Julián Álvarez, and a deep midfield anchored by Rodrigo De Paul, Argentina have the quality to win every match in the group and dictate the pace of Group C throughout.

Mexico carry the weight of seven consecutive Round of 16 eliminations into the tournament they co-host. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Estadio Azteca and other CONCACAF venues, El Tri finally have the conditions to break the curse — but Group C provides the sternest possible test from matchday one.

Robert Lewandowski enters what is likely his final World Cup campaign. Poland are a resolute, well-organised side who will look to frustrate opponents and nick goals on the counter. Their qualifying performances showed genuine improvement but Group C offers no easy route to the knockouts.

Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina 2-1 in Qatar 2022 in one of the greatest World Cup upsets ever. That victory remains a reference point — can Hervé Renard's or his successor's side spring another shock? With a more experienced squad built around their Saudi Pro League stars, they are not to be underestimated in a high-pressure group environment.

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

The Inter Milan striker has established himself as Argentina's first-choice centre-forward following Messi's retirement from international football. Six-yard presence, movement in behind, and a knack for the big occasion — Group C defences will be kept extremely busy.

Mexico's Forward Line

Mexico's attacking set-up centres on pace, width, and pressing intensity. The home crowd gives El Tri's forwards an extra gear — with passionate home support, their forwards will press relentlessly from the first whistle in every group match played on Mexican soil.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

The Barcelona striker is playing what is almost certainly his last World Cup at 37-38 years old. In 2022, he netted Poland's first-ever World Cup goal. In 2026, a Poland run to the knockouts would stand as the defining legacy moment of one of Europe's greatest ever strikers.

Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia)

The man who scored the winner against Argentina in 2022. Al-Dawsari is Saudi Arabia's most creative threat — a direct, pacy winger with an eye for the spectacular. If Saudi Arabia are to spring another upset in Group C, it is likely to come through his direct running and unpredictable shooting.