The first-ever winter World Cup is a little over two months away.
The staging of the tournament in November and December is a first, and represents an obvious logistical problem that the Premier League and other major leagues around the world have had to work around.
For Manchester City, they could see a large portion of their squad head to Qatar for the month-long event.
Here, we assess which of Pep Guardiola's stars are almost certain of their place on the plane - and which ones have plenty to do to convince their national team managers they are worthy of selection.
Read more: City could face another postponement with Arsenal decision looming
Goalkeepers
Ederson (Brazil)
The City stopper is locked in a battle with Liverpool counterpart Alisson although the latter is favoured by Brazil boss Tite. Despite largely playing second fiddle, Ederson's place in the squad is in no danger.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Zack Steffen (United States)
Steffen has been loaned out to Championship side Middlesbrough this season, as Guardiola looks to sate his appetite for regular game time.
But a recent knee injury has thrown into doubt his spot at Boro and he will be sweating on his place in the US squad given he also missed the most recent squad. The fact he is the most experienced shot-stopper should see him make the cut though.
Qatar chances : Almost certain.
Defenders
Kyle Walker (England)
One of five City stars hoping to make the grade for Gareth Southgate's Qatar party.
Only a handful of players in or around the squad have more experience than Walker's 68 caps and despite having plenty of right-back rivals, his versatility should see him included.
Qatar chances : Almost certain.
Ruben Dias (Portugal)
The centre-half hasn't played for his country since last November and missed successive squads due to injury concerns. But should he remain injury-free he is a dead cert to be included and add to his 37 caps so far.
Qatar chances : Certain.
John Stones (England)
Centre-half Stones is another veteran of the Three Lions' march to the 2018 World Cup semi-final and Euro 2020 final.
Despite questions over his form at domestic level, it would be a bold call by Southgate to axe him altogether and he has recently made a return to Guardiola's starting XI.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Nathan Ake (Netherlands)
Has plenty of competition at centre-half at City and enough rivals at international level too. Despite that, he is relatively experienced and should make the cut.
Qatar chances : Almost certain.
Joao Cancelo (Portugal)
A vital part of the Portugal side as they attempt to complete the treble of major honours, with only the World Cup missing from their collection after winning the European Championships in 2016 and the Nations League three years later.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Aymeric Laporte (Spain)
Defender Laporte only made his Spain debut last year - after being granted citizenship just before the Euros. He made just one friendly outing before playing every game for Luis Enrique's side at the tournament as they reached the semi-finals.
Despite making a big impression at international level, he's currently injured and the worry will be that he has not played a match since the final day of last season. It has been suggested he could be back by early October.
Qatar chances : Little wiggle room if he is to prove his fitness.
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
A 40-cap defender, Akanji is preparing for his third straight tournament with the Swiss. He played a big role as they reached the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, beating France along the way on penalties.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips (England)
Midfielder Phillips was a breakthrough star for England at last summer's Euros but suddenly his squad spot for the World Cup is in danger.
He's made just two outings since his big-money move to City, both off the bench. He is in a race against time to convince Southgate of his fitness for the tournament.
Qatar chances : Up against it.
Ilkay Gundogan (Germany)
A crucial part of not only City's engine room but his country's too. The 31-year-old is the second-eldest outfield player within Hansi Flick's squad and has a hugely impressive record of 15 goals in 60 caps - equating to one goal every four games. After missing out on the victorious squad for the 2014 World Cup and being part of the 2018 cohort which embarrassingly exited at the group stage, he'll be eager to make it third time lucky.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Rodri (Spain)
A certainty both in the City engine room and Spain squad. Consistency personified.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
He'll start every game, barring injury. Debate over.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Bernardo Silva (Portugal)
Another whose importance to his national side cannot be overplayed. Seventy caps and counting for the maestro who is assured of a starting spot, barring injury, when Fernando Santos' side open up their tournament against Ghana on November 24.
Qatar chances : Certain.
Forwards
Jack Grealish (England)
Grealish has endured a frustrating start to the season with niggles meaning he's only made two starts so far.
He'll be desperate to book his spot on the plane to Qatar after impressing at his maiden tournament last summer, and will be itching for a chance to shine in the final warm-up games later this month.
Qatar chances : Highly likely.
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Alvarez only made his senior debut in June last year but his career has continued to rocket after his big-money move to City.
He is one of many attacking talents at Argentina's disposal and despite many of his rivals within the set-up being more experienced, his unknown quantity could win him a spot on the plane.
Qatar chances : Almost certain
Phil Foden (England)
A regular starter for City, Foden's importance should not be underestimated. Plenty of competition in his position but he will be desperate to make up for the heartache of missing out on the Euro final last summer and will want to play a major role in helping end England's trophy drought.
Qatar chances : Certain.
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