Mexico play Poland in their opening World Cup game at Stadium 974 in Doha. The game is slated for a 16:00 GMT kick-off time on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
Both teams may find a win from this match as the most important to their campaign with Argentina posing as the clear favourites in Group C.
In terms of experience, the two countries have a total of 25 appearances, with Mexico holding the bulk of those (16). However, Poland have the greatest World Cup record of the two, with the Eagles finishing as runners-up on two occasions.
Mexico and Poland have struggled to post positive regular streaks in recent times, and this match might be pivotal in getting their fortunes back on track.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
MEXICO
16 November 2022 Mexico 1–2 Sweden Friendly
9 November 2022 Mexico 4–0 Iraq Friendly
27 September 2022 Mexico 2–3 Colombia Friendly
24 September 2022 Mexico 1–0 Peru Friendly
31 August 2022 Mexico 0–1 Paraguay Friendly
POLAND
16 November 2022 Poland 1–0 Chile Friendly
25 September 2022 Wales 0–1 Poland UEFA Nations League
22 September 2022 Poland 0–2 Netherlands UEFA Nations League
14 June 2022 Poland 0–1 Belgium UEFA Nations League
11 June 2022 Netherlands 2–2 Poland UEFA Nations League
HEAD TO HEAD
They have played against themselves on eight occasions and have recorded some tight results against each other. Poland were the winners over the only clash at the World Cup between the two sides during the 1978 World Cup
05 Aug 1973 Mexico v Poland 0-1 International Friendly
08 Aug 1973 Mexico v Poland 1-2 International Friendly
10 Jun 1978 Mexico v Poland 1-3 FIFA World Cup
05 Feb 1985 Mexico v Poland 5-0 International Friendly
14 Feb 1989 Mexico v Poland 3-1 International Friendly
27 Apr 2005 Mexico v Poland 1-1 International Friendly
02 Sep 2011 Poland v Mexico 1-1 International Friendly
13 Nov 2017 Poland v Mexico 0-1 International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
MEXICO
Mexico may rely on the attacking prowess of Hirving Lozano and Raul Jiménez who has been inactive for some time. Jimenez has not played competitive football for Wolverhampton but his experience and other abilities seem to be the needed catalyst for Mexico’s success. The experience of Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who will be at his 5th World Cup, Captain Andrés Guardado and centre-back Héctor Moreno may give Coach Tata Martino a huge boost despite the absence of Javier Hernandez (Chicharito).
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(4-3-3): Ochoa; Sanchez, Vasquez, Montes, Arteaga; C Rodriguez, E Alvarez, Herrera; Lozano, Jimenez, Vega.
POLAND
Robert Lewandowski is the obvious target man for Poland with the presence of Krzysztof Piątek and Arkadiusz Milik providing some relief. The talent of Napoli’s creative midfielder Piotr Zieliński can also not be undermined as Poland target a knockout berth since 1986.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(3-4-2-1) Szczesny; Bednarek, Kiwior, Glik; Cash, Krychowiak, Bielik, Zalewski; Swiderski, Zielinski; Lewandowski