Former winners Germany and Spain get their World Cup campaigns underway on Wednesday as the action in Qatar continues.
Football continues to dominate the sporting headlines but there are also two horse racing meetings at Wetherby and Hereford on the schedule.
England's demolition of Iran and Saudi Arabia's incredible victory against Argentina have whetted the appetite as the football action continues to excite and enthral.
Croats eye winning start
What: Morocco v Croatia, World Cup
Where: Al-Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar
When: 10:00, Wednesday 23rd November
How to watch: ITV1
Odds: Morocco 11/4, Croatia 21/10, Draw 11/5
Croatia may not be the force they were in 2018 when they reached the World Cup final in Russia but they will still be confident of getting their campaign in Qatar off to a winning start when they take on Morocco.
Morocco named Walid Regragui as their new coach in September and they have responded by keeping four clean sheets in a row.
However, the North Africans will start Wednesday’s match as outsiders as Croatia are still able to call on the services of quality veterans Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Domagoj Vida.
Germany start with clean slate
What: Germany v Japan, World Cup
Where: Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
When: 13:00, Wednesday 23rd November
How to watch: ITV1
Odds: Germany 1/2, Japan 6/1, Draw 16/5
Germany will be keen to wipe away the memory of their disastrous World Cup campaign in 2018 when they take on a Japanese side that cannot be taken for granted.
Germany failed to qualify for the knockout stages in Russia after suffering embarrassing losses to Mexico and South Korea, while in contrast Japan won plenty of new admirers after they pushed Belgium all the way in their last 16 tie before eventually losing 3-2.
Japan may not have the firepower to trouble the Germans but it could be a closely-contested affair which the four-time champions may just edge.
Spain have chance to impress
What: Spain v Costa Rica, World Cup Group E
Where: Al Thumama Stadium, Al Thumama
When: 16.00, Wednesday 23rd November 2022
How to watch: ITV1
Odds: Spain 1/7, Draw 13/2, Costa Rica 22/1
Spain have endured two dismal World Cup campaigns since they won the tournament 12 years ago, failing to progress from the group stage in 2014 before losing on penalties to the hosts in the last 16 in Russia four years ago.
However, hopes are high that Spain have a team that can challenge for honours again and they should be able get off to a winning start when they take on an experienced Costa Rica side in their opening Group E fixture.
Los Ticos will be playing in their fifth World Cup and still have Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell in their ranks so will be no pushovers but Spain have enough quality to secure the three points.
Canada have the ability to surprise
What: Belgium v Canada, World Cup Group F
Where: Al Rayyan Stadium
When: 19.00, Wednesday 23rd November 2022
How to watch: BBC1
Odds: Belgium 1/2, Draw 10/3, Canada 11/2
Belgium have been tipped for glory at every tournament for the last decade only to disappoint and Roberto Martinez's team now look to be some way past their peak.
In contrast Canada have a vibrant side that will surely do better than in their only previous World Cup appearance - they lost all three games in 1986 and failed to score a goal.
The Maple Leafs will be looking to the likes of Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies and Cyle Larin to shine and will be thinking that if Saudi Arabia can beat Argentina then surely they have a chance against Belgium.
