On Sunday evening, the 2022 World Cup got underway as the entire globe watches the best national teams face off for the next month.
Domestic action in Scotland came to a halt last weekend, with the Bhoys rounding off the first half of the season and holding a nine-point lead at the top.
Although Celtic may be on hold for the next month, there will still be plenty of Hoops-related interest taking part in the tournament in Qatar.
Several former players are set to take part, with the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Jeremie Frimpong already getting their World Cup campaigns underway.
However, there are also several members of the current Celtic squad who will be participating in Qatar for their nations in the coming days.
So here is a look at when their World Cup campaigns get underway this week.
When Celtic stars will take to the World Cup stage representing their nations.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
The Celtic defender is one of the first players who could represent their nation, with the USA taking on Wales later on this evening.
The American side will be hoping to get off to a strong start, potentially setting up a top-of-the-group clash against England on matchday two.
After a brilliant 18 months at Celtic and earning his return to the American national squad, the former Tottenham man is in contention to start for his side.
Carter-Vickers will be hoping to be named in the starting 11 that opens up the US’s campaign later on tonight when they face the Welsh side at 7 PM.
Aaron Mooy
On Tuesday evening, Aaron Mooy and Australia take on the current World Cup holders, France, with the same kick-off time as the US.
If Carter-Vickers doesn’t make his first competitive start for the US this evening, then Mooy is almost certainly going to be the first Celtic player to play at the World Cup.
The experienced midfielder is a valuable member of Graham Arnold’s squad, and he could be vital if the Socceroos hope to get anything from their group opening.
Josip Juranovic
Similar to Mooy, Juranovic is almost certain to start for his nation after becoming Croatia’s number one right-back option.
The defender has performed at UEFA Champions League level this campaign and will be hoping to use his experience from that competition at the World Cup.
Croatia are expected to advance from their group, and victory over Morroco on Wednesday would certainly help their chances of progression to the last 16.
Daizen Maeda
The Celtic attacker will be the final member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad to get their tournament kick-started, and Maeda faces a difficult task.
Japan take on 2014 winners, Germany, on Wednesday at 1 PM, directly following Juranovic and Croatia’s opener earlier in the day.
Maeda’s pace and pressing ability is bound to be important for his nation if they hope to pull off a shock result to start their tournament.
But as mentioned, it is going to be an extremely difficult task against such a quality and consistent force at international tournaments.
Coming off the back of such brilliant domestic form, all the current members of the Celtic squad will come into the Qatar World Cup full of confidence.
We wish all four players the best of luck as they get their campaign underway across the next three days!
In other news, Former Ballon d’Or winner names Celtic strike as one of his most important goals.
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