Mexico were brilliant in beating Germany in the group stage in 2018 but were then knocked out by Brazil in the last-16, a seventh consecutive exit at the same stage.
Goal-shy in qualifying, they are missing the strike pairing of Carlos Vela (retired) and Javier Hernandez (exiled), and lost both Gold Cup and Nations League finals to the USA last year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mexico…
Coach: Gerardo Martino. Former Barcelona boss, who led Argentina to back-to-back Copa America final defeats on penalties in 2015 and 2016.
Captain: Andres Guadrado. Midfielder has 177 caps for his country, making him one of the most experienced international players of all-time.
Star player: Hirving Lozano. Forward is playing regularly in a Napoli side flying in Serie A and the Champions League.
One to watch: Edson Alvarez. Ajax midfielder was subject of a failed £40m Chelsea bid late in transfer window.
Odds to win: 100/1
World ranking: 13th
Best thing about them: The most World Cup team? Meeting with Argentina oozes nostalgia.
Worst thing about them: Seemingly incapable of getting over last-16 hoodoo and do not look the team of four years ago.
Their prospects in three words: A familiar story.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
November 22 vs Poland (10am)
November 26 vs Argentina (ypm)
November 30 vs Saudi Arabia (7pm)
Squad in full
Goalkeepers: William Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera, Rodolfo Cota.
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Kevin Alvarez, Nestor Araujo, Johan Vasquez, Hector Moreno, Cesar Montes, Gerardo Arteaga, Jesus Gallardo.
Midfielders: Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Charly Rodríguez, Erick Gutierrez, Luis Chavez, Edson Alvarez, Orbelín Pineda, Luis Romo.
Forwards: Alexis Vega, Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez, Roberto Alvarado, Uriel Antuna, Henry Martin, Rogelio Funes Mori.
MORE ABOUT