We’re used to winter breaks in the Scottish Premiership, but FIFA’s desperation to justify a World Cup held in a desert state smaller than Manchester means we’re getting two of them this season.
The top flight action was paused after last Saturday’s fixtures as several stars jetted off to join their national teams ahead of the showpiece event in Qatar. The domestic stuff starts again on 15 December, then breaks again after the New Year. The stop-start nature of this winter is a first and is no doubt frustrating for managers, players and fans alike.
The good news is that the world’s governing body probably won't get away with pulling something like this again. At least they shouldn’t, but we know what they’re like. At long last though, the World Cup is upon us after a summer devoid of any action when we should have been watching teams from across the globe go head-to-head. Sadly, Scotland missed out yet again.
But there are plenty who play their trade on our pitches involved in the Middle East. Australia boast the most who play on our shores with even Premiership names in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.
Croatia have included a defender each from Celtic and Rangers. The USA have a Hoops mainstay on their roster while Wales will attract Dundee United’s interest. Japan left out Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatete, but one of the Parkhead contingent did make the cut. St Johnstone’s David Wotherspoon flies the flag for Perth with Canada.
But when and where can you watch the SPFL’s representatives? Record Sport has all the info you need.
Australia fixtures
The Hearts squad are all honorary Aussies for the next few weeks. Three of their number are in the Socceroos as Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and Cammy Devlin prepare to take on holders France. Martin Boyle received the devastating news that he was being cut from the squad due to injury, but has remained in camp as "vibe manager," while former teammate Jason Cummings' switch of allegiance has worked in his favour.
Aaron Mooy’s free transfer switch to Celtic helped him keep his place in the squad. Keanu Baccus has impressed for St Mirren while Aziz Behich of Dundee United is also in.
Tunisia vs Australia , Saturday 26 November. Kick-off 10am. BBC One
Australia vs Denmark. Wednesday 30 November. Kick-off 3pm. BBC Two.
Croatia fixtures
There’s interest from either side of Glasgow in how last year’s finalists fare four (and a half) years on. Josip Juranovic and Borna Barisic could occupy the full back positions on either side of defence, and here’s when and where Celtic and Rangers fans can see their games.
Croatia vs Canada, Sunday 27 November. Kick-off 4pm. BBC One.
Belgium vs Croatia , Thursday 1 December. Kick-off 3pm. BBC One.
USA fixtures
The fact that America are in England’s group should ensure a healthy following in Scotland anyway. But Cameron carter-Vickers’ inclusion gives Celtic fans more of an incentive to watch USMNT, as they’re known across the pond. Here’s who they play and when.
England vs USA , Friday 25 November. Kick-off 7pm. ITV 1.
Iran vs USA , Tuesday 29 November. Kick-off 7pm. BBC 2.
Japan fixtures
There was shock when Kyogo and Hatate were left out of the Samurai Blue squad. Daizen Maeda is in though and while he may not be the most glamorous of the Japanese contingent at Parkhead, there’s no doubting his attitude and work ethic.
Japan vs Costa Rica, Sunday 27 November. Kick-off 10am. ITV 1.
Japan vs Spain, Thursday 1 December. Kick-off 7pm. ITV TBC.
Wales fixtures
In an ideal world, Scotland wouldn’t have collapsed against Ukraine at Hampden, reached the playoff final and beaten the Welsh in Cardiff to set up an Auld Enemy clash for the ages.
It wasn;t to be though and Rob Page's men did what we couldn’t against the Ukrainians, booking a place in England’s group. Just like Euro 2016, most north of the border will be hoping they can make it out of the group at England’s expense.
Dundee United’s Dylan Levitt will ensure the support is definitely there from the tangerine half of the City of Discovery. Here’s when they play.
Wales vs Iran, Friday 25 November. Kick-off 10am. BBC One.
Wales vs England. Tuesday 29 November. Kick-off 7pm. BBC One.
Canada fixtures
Scott Arfield may have retired from international duty. But St Johnstone favourite David Wetherspoon is with the Canucks in Qatar. An appearance on the biggest international stage coupled with being St Johnstone’s most decorated player makes it quite a career for the former Hibs youngster.
Croatia vs Canada , Sunday 27 November. Kick-off 4pm. BBC One.
Canada vs Morocco, Thursday 1 December. Kick-off 3pm. BBC Two.
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