World champions France are plagued by injury problems as they take on Australia in their Group D opener in Qatar. In addition to Karim Benzema, two other playmakers are out. Still – the French squad is well-stocked – coach Didier Deschamps is spoilt for choice for the French attack.

Australia, too, will have to deal with the loss of an important player for a short time. The Socceroos, however, are considered underdogs in Group D with world champions France, Denmark and Tunisia. “We will go out, fight, play football” – that’s all the Australian coach would say.

Groups C and D play on Tuesday, France against Australia, Denmark takes on Tunisia , Mexico against Poland and Argentina against Saudi Arabia. Argentina has not lost in 36 games. If Messi & Co. have their way, it will soon be 37.

The games on 22 November

A total of eight countries will play against each other. After groups A and B, groups C and D will play:

• 11:00 Argentina – Saudi Arabia (Group C)
• 14:00 Denmark – Tunisia (Group D)
• 17:00 Mexico – Poland (Group C)
• 20:00 France – Australia (Group D)

Sam Ashoo, euronews correspondent:

Day 3 of the World Cup is eagerly anticipated with Lionel Messi starting what could be his last World Cup. Argentina will face Saudi Arabia.

Messi has already said he is nervous and anxious – who wouldn’t be when the hopes and dreams of 45 million people rest on his shoulders.

Next up, Mexico will face Poland. It is also likely to be Robert Lewandowski’s last World Cup, so Qatar 2022 could be a tournament of emotional farewells.