The World Cup continues in Qatar on Tuesday with four games that include one of history’s greatest players and the reigning champion beginning its title defense. Lionel Messi, in what is probably his final World Cup, takes the field with Argentina against Saudi Arabia to kick things off (5 a.m. Eastern, U.S. broadcast on Fox Sports 1). Denmark vs. Tunisia (8 a.m., FS1) and Mexico vs. Poland (11 a.m., Fox) follow before France, the 2018 winner, faces Australia (2 p.m., Fox) to cap the day. Follow along for live updates.
Here’s what to know
Argentina is the class of Group C, and it is expected to breeze past Saudi Arabia, which is one of the lowest-ranked teams in the 32-nation field. Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as the world’s best player, is being counted on to lift the spirits of a beleaguered nation. Tuesday’s other Group C game, between Mexico and Poland, should be more evenly matched.
France has a star-studded roster that includes Kylian Mbappé, among others, and Les Bleus will provide a stiff challenge for Australia’s “Socceroos.” The other Group D game between Denmark and Tunisia features Danish star Christian Eriksen, who is back in action after he suffered a cardiac event during the European Championship last year.
The World Cup continues with four more games Wednesday. Find the full schedule, results and group standings here.
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By Noah Davis
Contributing soccer reporter
Before the match, Argentina’s odds to win the World Cup (+500) were significantly better than Saudi Arabia’s odds to beat Argentina (+1700).
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By Steven Goff
Reporter covering soccer (D.C. United, MLS, U.S. national teams, World Cup), plus some college basketball.
Every Saudi player competes in the country’s domestic league.
All but five Argentine players compete in top-five Euro leagues.
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By Cindy Boren
Reporter covering sports breaking news
In a sign of how things are going for Argentina and Lionel Messi, his free kick sailed over the bar. The opportunity was ideally placed for Messi in the 80th minute, and he grimaced as the kick went high.
Messi’s free kick is off target as Argentina continues to look for the equalizer pic.twitter.com/mOLJzjGSoy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022
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By Noah Davis
Contributing soccer reporter
Another yellow card for Saudi Arabia, this one to Salem al-Dawsari for dissent in the 79th minute.
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By Cindy Boren
Reporter covering sports breaking news
Saleh al-Shehri gives way in the 78th minute, replaced by Sultan al-Ghannam. Shehri leaves to a thundering ovation.
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By Cindy Boren
Reporter covering sports breaking news
Saudi Arabia’s aggression is drawing attention.
The energy, pressing and aggression of Saudi Arabia is something else. Surely they can’t sustain this.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) November 22, 2022
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By Noah Davis
Contributing soccer reporter
Yellow card for Ali al-Bulayhi as Saudi Arabia begins to try to slow the game down and get to the 90th minute.
13 mins ago
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By Noah Davis
Contributing soccer reporter
Argentina replaces left back Nicolás Tagliafico with left back Marcos Acuña. The 31-year-old Sevilla defender has never scored for his national team.
13 mins ago
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By Cindy Boren
Reporter covering sports breaking news
Abdulelah al-Malki draws a yellow card as play gets a little chippy.
20 mins ago
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By Cindy Boren
Reporter covering sports breaking news
Saudi Arabia goalie Mohammed al-Owais makes a reaction save off a deflection shot by Lisandro Martínez, and Argentina is pressing, to no avail.
23 mins ago
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By Cindy Boren
Reporter covering sports breaking news
Argentina makes a three-player substitution in the 58th minute, upending the rhythm of its team early in the second half.
Cristian Romero, Papu Gómez and Leandro Paredes leave, with Lisandro Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Julian Álvarez coming in.
KEY UPDATE
25 mins ago
Saudi Arabia pulls ahead, 2-1
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By Noah Davis
In a shocking turn of events, Saudi Arabia tallied two quick goals to lead Argentina 2-1 in both team’s Group C opener. In the 48th minute, Saleh al-Shehri beat Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The tally came against the run of play in a game that was being dominated by Argentina.
SAUDI ARABIA TIES IT 🇸🇦
Sponsored by @qatarairways pic.twitter.com/QhxlXRGXbw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022
Five minutes later, Salem al-Dawsari scored on a powerful shot after displaying some fancy footwork to elude a couple defenders at the top of the box.