The round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar begins on Saturday, December 3, with two decisive games that will set the tone for the knockout phase. This day features the clash between the winner of Group C, Argentina, and the runner-up from Group D, Australia. It is a meeting charged with history and momentum, played at a time when the stakes are at their highest and a place in the quarterfinals is up for grabs.
The tournament finally reaches its knockout stage, and teams must win to stay alive. The schedule aligns perfectly for an instant classic as Argentina faces a determined Australia side that earned its spot through a dramatic late finish in the group stage. This match marks the second contest of the day and the second encounter between these two nations in the 2022 edition, following Argentina’s successful run through the group phase.
Argentina versus Australia in the 2022 World Cup knockout round: when, where, and how to watch
The kickoff is set for Saturday, December 3, 2022, with local times varying by country. The match is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time, corresponding to Spain’s evening window on the eve of December 22 in Qatar. The venue is the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Rayyan, a stadium that has hosted a number of pivotal moments during the tournament.
Argentina, known for its rich World Cup pedigree, faced an early setback in their campaign after a surprising defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. Yet, they recovered in style by topping the group with wins against Mexico and Poland, keeping alive the dream of lifting another World Cup trophy, with Lionel Messi still playing a central role in this final major tournament of his illustrious career. The Albiceleste now meet Australia, the Group D runners-up who advanced by edging Denmark in a tight 1-0 finish, showcasing the kind of resilience that makes knockout football so thrilling.
As the match unfolds, one primary rule dominates: there must be a winner after 90 minutes, or the game moves into extra time. If the score remains tied, penalties will determine the victor, ending either team’s hopes in this edition. The atmosphere will be electric as fans anticipate a fast, tactical duel between two teams with very different paths to this stage of the tournament.
Celebrities and neutrals alike will be watching closely, not only for the result but for the tactical chess match that unfolds on the pitch. How Argentina chooses to attack and how Australia absorbs pressure will shape the narrative of this round of 16 clash. The outcome will write a new chapter in the ongoing World Cup storylines, and it will be remembered as a crucial moment in the 2022 tournament legacy. (Goal)
Captioned for fans around the world, this match promises drama, quality football, and a reminder that in knockout football, anything can happen on the day. (Goal)