The 2022 World Cup has begun.

Qatar is hosting the biggest tournament of them all, as the best footballers in the planet battle it out this winter in the Middle East.

It's perhaps the most controversial World Cup in history due to the host nation's culture and beliefs.

However, the competition is now underway and the hosts will be hoping to concentrate on the football.

Unfortunately, Scotland will not be involved, having failed to qualify earlier this year. 

However, Scotland's top flight will go into cold storage while the World Cup is played, much like all major leagues across Europe.

When does the World Cup break start in Scotland?

In Scotland, the World Cup break starts on Saturday, November 12. 

All 12 teams are in action on game week 15 of the Premiership, as they battle it out in the their last fixture for around five-weeks.

When does the World Cup break end & the Premiership resume?

The World Cup break officially ends in Scotland on Thursday, December 15. 

Therefore, the Premiership will be off for just over one-month in Scotland.

All teams will be played their first games back after the break by Saturday, December 17.

What is the first Premiership fixture after the World Cup break?

The first match back in Scotland's top flight following the mid-season pause will be Rangers vs Hibs.

The Gers will host Lee Johnson's men at Ibrox on Thursday, December 15 at 8pm.

The other fixtures for game week 16 are; Aberdeen vs Celtic, Hearts vs Kilmarnock, Livingston vs Dundee Utd, Motherwell vs St Mirren, Ross County vs St Johnstone.