Time for World Cup preparation is running out and the upcoming set of internationals are the final chance for players to stake their claim before the real squads are announced.
England, Spain, Germany, France, Brazil and Argentina are all among those fancying their chances of victory in Qatar, which will be the first ever winter tournament. The aforementioned nations are not short of depth when it comes to selection, leaving their respective coaches with plenty to mull over.
For some players this World Cup is the first chance they'll get at impressing on the global stage. For others, now in the twilight of their career, the tournament in the Middle East is their final chance to make an impression on the global stage. Icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to play in their final tournaments, with both men eyeing the top prize for the first time.
Impressing at club level is one thing, but as we've seen with certain players, no matter how well they're performing, they simply don't fit into their manager's plans. Whether it be the system or the personnel around them - some stellar names face the threat of missing out on that flight to Qatar, while others are facing a race to be fit in time.
Based on the latest squads, we take a look at who could be having a winter break in front of the TV as their compatriots take to the pitch.
1. Jadon Sancho
Once upon a time the Manchester United winger was a cert in the England squad, at least for a period. That period was when he was lighting up the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, regularly coming up with goals and assists. Then came his move to Manchester United.
He struggled in his first season at United and it cost him his England spot. Now, despite an upturn in form, Sancho is still battling to usurp the men who now sit above him in the pecking order. The winger has made his disappointment known and will need to produce consistently if he is to make the plane.
2. Gabriel Jesus
He's been one of the star performers in the Premier League following his switch to Arsenal, but four goals so far this term were not enough to convince Brazil boss Tite to pick him. The selection snub is to give other players a chance, according to the coach, who still has Jesus in his plans.
He said: "Gabriel Jesus, specifically, is having a great time and in contention [for the World Cup]. Absolutely, yes. These call-ups serve as opportunities for others. As well as others in this same context. Football is creation and scoring, and defensive solidity. If you run away from these characteristics, you will lose."
3. Paul Pogba
Out of action for months, the now Juventus man faces a race against time to prove his fitness and his worth. Les Bleus' boss Didier Deschamps has claimed Pogba's inclusion is not a guarantee despite what he's done in the past and how he's performed in a winning team.
"He will not come just because he is a 'framework'. If he has not played before and is not in top form, it is useless. He himself does not want it," said the France boss. Deschamps is also in a strong position given the amount of alternatives available to him.
4. Marcus Rashford
Another man from Manchester who has been overlooked, albeit an untimely injury has cost him. The forward is another to experience a huge dip in form last term before looking more like the player we have come to expect this season.
Rashford's versatility is certainly a bonus, given he can play through the middle or out wide. The back-up role to Harry Kane is one area of the England squad that is far from set and that could give the United man the chance to make the plane as he seeks to use his Euro experience to spur him on.
5. Ansu Fati
The Barcelona star's lack of regular football at the Nou Camp has cost him a spot with the national side, although Luis Enrique is hopeful he can force his way back in. Fati, still just 19, has four caps for his country and certainly has time on his side. Spain are quietly fancied for the World Cup and are not short of options, which could make Fati's task a difficult one.
Enrique has said: "He has been participating but at his club he has only started one game and that tells me something. He continues to have a wonderful relationship with the goal, I hope he recovers his level and we see the best Ansu, but today I do not see him ready for the squad and that is why I have not brought him."
6. Sergio Ramos
A stalwart for his country and a winner of three major tournaments, including the World Cup in 2010. Yet Ramos has been overlooked by his nation despite starting six times for PSG this term. Reports claim the centre-half is 'extremely disappointed' to be left out.
Enrique has said: "The [door] is not closed to any Spanish player that is available for selection. "It is great news that Sergio Ramos can return to the pitch after a year-and-a-half out due to injuries. Now he is doing so in a continuous way."
7. Joao Moutinho
Now 36, the Wolves midfielder has continued to be picked for Portugal, amassing 146 caps since his debut in 2005. Yet with more and more options available to Fernando Santos, Moutinho may well have played in his last major tournament.
Vitinha and Matheus Nunes, two of Portugal's new young talents, are named in the squad and look set to command the central midfield position Moutinho has, for so long, occupied.
8. Mats Hummels
Eight years ago the centre-half was lifting the World Cup trophy but now, well into his 30s, Hummels has been in and out of the Germany picture and may face a race against time to prove his worth. Hansi Flick is fully aware of Hummels' quality, yet has chosen to overlook him, despite leaving the door open.
“Everyone still has a chance to jump on the World Cup train," he said. “I especially liked Mats Hummels. He is in very good form and looks absolutely fit.”
9. Thiago Alcantara
The Liverpool midfielder has been a mainstay for some years but, having only just returned for his club following a hamstring injury, Thiago has not done enough to earn a call-up for his country. With midfield such a competitive area for Spain, he may struggle to get in front of the likes of Rodri, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Gavi and Pedri.
Enrique has underlined the difficulties faced by those on the outside of the squad, stating: "If tomorrow were the World Cup, the list would be the same. Our objective is to look for players who form a team. Here we all play for everyone and it is not formed with the 11 best players in the first division."
10. Mario Gotze
He was the hero in the Maracana as his goal downed Argentina to hand Germany a fourth World Cup. Since then, though, Gotze has struggled with fitness issues that have seen him move several times. Now he's at Frankfurt and aiming to get his career back on track.
At one time the darling of German football, Gotze is now having to prove to Flick that he is worthy of a spot. The German boss has said: “We’re watching what he’s doing, which is really good. He seems very mature and is very important for Frankfurt.”
