Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia (Tuesday, 10.00am)
© Reuters
Argentina's latest quest for international glory kicks off on Tuesday, as the South American nation begin their World Cup 2022 Group C campaign against Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
La Albiceleste have two World Cups in their cabinet from 1978 and 1986, while Saudi Arabia are aiming to make waves in a difficult group and avoid an expected fourth-placed finish.
We say: Argentina 3-0 Saudi Arabia
While Saudi Arabia have performed valiantly on the defensive front in 2022, a distinct lack of goals at the other end has been evident, and they are unlikely to experience much joy against a red-hot Argentina side.
Scaloni's men have swept aside almost every team that has come before them in the past three years, and we can only envisage La Albiceleste storming to a routine three points on matchday one.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Saudi Arabia could line up against Argentina
> How Argentina could line up against Saudi Arabia
> World Cup 2022: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia head-to-head record
Denmark vs. Tunisia (Tuesday, 1.00pm)
© Reuters
Denmark and Tunisia kick off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign when they go head to head at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday.
Both nations will be looking to claim an early advantage in Group D before group rivals France and Australia square off later in the day.
We say: Denmark 3-0 Tunisia
While Tunisia will be looking to cause an upset and kickstart their campaign on a high, they take on a rampant Denmark side who boast the firepower needed to get the job done. Given the gulf in quality and experience between the two nations, we anticipate a one-sided contest with Denmark claiming all three points.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> World Cup 2022: Denmark vs. Tunisia head-to-head record
Mexico vs. Poland (Tuesday, 4.00pm)
© Reuters
Mexico take on Poland in a potentially pivotal encounter in Group C on Tuesday.
The match will kick-off at 4pm GMT in Doha, Qatar, at Stadium 974, which is the first temporary venue in World Cup history, having been constructed from 974 recycled shipping containers.
We say: Mexico 1-1 Poland
There appears to be very little separating these two nations, besides the obvious star striker leading Poland's line.
Both teams will be aware of the importance of this match in terms of reaching the group stage and may be afraid to lose it, so we can envisage a share of the spoils.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Poland could line up against Mexico
> How Mexico could line up against Poland
France vs. Australia (Tuesday, 7.00pm)
© Reuters
An injury-hit France side begin the defence of their global title when they tackle Australia in Tuesday's World Cup 2022 Group D opener at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Les Bleus went all the way in Russia four years ago, while the Socceroos are aiming to end a run of three successive group-stage exits.
We say: France 2-0 Australia
Not a single player from either team scored from open play at the correct end of the field when these two sides met four years ago, and that has been an area of weakness for Australia in World Cup games gone by.
The Socceroos can take some encouragement from their winning streak and France's ongoing injury woes, but Les Bleus' lineup is still intimidating to say the least, and we have faith in the defending champions to break the opening matchday curse and start in perfect fashion.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Australia could line up against France
> How France could line up against Australia
Barney Corkhill
