With all of Europe's major leagues now on pause, all eyes will be firmly focused on international football. And that includes many of UEFA's biggest sides taking part in another round of World Cup qualifying matches, with things to get underway on Wednesday, September 1st.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the latest batch of fixtures.
When does UEFA's 2022 World Cup qualifiers resume?
The matches will begin on September 1st and finish on September 8th.
How many teams are taking part in UEFA's 2022 World Cup qualifiers?
55 teams are participating in this competition, with ultimately 13 slots being allocated to UEFA nations.
How many groups are involved in UEFA's 2022 World Cup qualifiers?
A total of ten groups are involved. Five of these groups have five teams, while the other five have six.
Who is currently the top goalscorer in UEFA's 2022 World Cup qualifiers?
It might surprise some, but currently the top marksman in this competition is Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrović, who has scored five goals. Of course, that's set to change, very likely sooner rather than later as Bayern star Robert Lewandowski has three to his name and many others, like Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will catch up as the competition progresses.
What are some of the big games to catch during this latest installment of UEFA's 2022 World Cup qualifiers?
There will be plenty of interesting games fans and neutrals won't want to miss. Here are some matches that should keep you entertained over the next seven days:
September 1
France vs Bosnia: Les Bleus are sitting comfortably on top of Group D with seven points, and should have no issues dispatching a Bosnia side who have yet to win a match so far in this competition. Didier Deschamps's men will be keen on making amends after their embarrassing EURO 2020 exit at the hands of Switzerland.
Portugal vs Ireland: A contrast of fortunes as Portugal, who have won two and drawn the other of their three games take on Ireland, who sit joint-bottom after failing to get off the mark. With a very determined Serbia side in hot pursuit, Portugal will obviously want to get all three points on the board in this match.
Norway vs Netherlands: Both teams are on six points and thus sit behind surprise Group G leaders Turkey heading into this match. Will either team have a protagonist able to shape the outcome of this tie?
September 2
Hungary vs England: This will be England's first major game after suffering heartbreak during the EURO 2020 final. Gareth Southgate's men are on top of Group I but will have to play Hungary in on their opponents' home turf, and everyone who watched this summer's tournament know how much of a nuisance Hungary can be for bigger sides when playing in front of their fans.
Italy vs Bulgaria: It's back to action for the Azzurri, who are fresh off winning their first major title since the 2006 World Cup. Roberto Mancini's men will have a perfect opportunity to extend their record-breaking unbeaten streak as they take on struggling outfit Bulgaria at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.
Estonia vs Belgium: Despite again coming up short at a major tournament, Belgium are still ranked as the number one side in the world. But it's safe to say that time is running out for the Red Devils to end their long wait for a first ever international title. Fortunately for them, they're in a very comfortable group, and predictably have already established a lead over the chasing pack. That lead is expected to grow as they take on Eastern European minnows Estonia, who have yet to pick up a single point so far.
Liechtenstein vs Germany: Believe it or not, but Germany aren't at the summit of Group J. Die Mannschaft actually sit in third spot, behind Armenia, and shockingly North Macedonia. However, new coach Hansi Flick has a great chance to turn things around as the four-time World Cup winners will be facing Liechtenstein, who not surprisingly, have had a rough time so far in qualifiers.
Poland vs Albania: A crunch clash awaits as Poland, who sit in fourth spot in Group I, take on an Albania side who have punched well above their weight so far to put themselves still in contention for qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. But the hosts have been given a major boost with the return of star man Robert Lewandowski to action just in time for this must-win encounter.
September 4
September 5
September 7
September 8
Make sure you don't miss out on all of UEFA's 2022 World Cup qualifying action by bookmarking our bespoke broadcast page for updated information on viewings for your specific location.
