For the 55 member countries of Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, the road to Qatar begins this week.

Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and all European stars will be facing each other during the coming days.

The European Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup run from 24 March to November 16, 2021.

The world’s top two ranked countries – Belgium and France – begin their quest for a place at the 2022 finals in Qatar with tough home matches today.

The reigning world champions, France, which is ranked behind Belgium, are at home to Ukraine in the Stade de France in Paris.

Coach Didier Deschamps has recalled Barcelona forward, Ousmane Dembele, and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Tanguy Ndombele, into a star-studded squad that already has the likes of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and Kylian Mbappe.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez, whose side welcomes Wales to the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, will be without captain Eden Hazard, who is still labouring with a recurring muscle injury that has severely restricted his playing time this year.

Turkey will host the Netherlands, while reigning European champion, Portugal will play against Azerbaijan. All matches will kick off at 8.45 p.m.

Tomorrow, Spain will open their quest against Greece; Italy will meet Northern Ireland, England versus San Marino and Germany versus Iceland at 8.45 p.m.