Qatar WC to start a day earlier

August 11, 2022

Under the requested change the Netherlands game would then move from a 1pm kick-off slot to the 7pm slot originally for Qatar v Ecuador, while the England and US games would not be affected…reports Asian Lite News

The upcoming football World Cup is to start a day earlier than planned to allow hosts Qatar playing the first match.

DPA and other media have learnt that the council of the world governing body FIFA is dealing with an according request. The match between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20 would start at 7pm (1700 GMT) at Al Bayt Stadium.

FIFA is yet to comment on the issue.

Under the original tournament format the game would have been the third of four matches scheduled for the first day, November 21, starting with the Netherlands v Senegal and the other games being England v Iran and the United States v Wales.

Under the requested change the Netherlands game would then move from a 1pm kick-off slot to the 7pm slot originally for Qatar v Ecuador, while the England and US games would not be affected.

The request was made after an according agreement of both teams and the South American confederation CONMEBOL. It also apparently won’t lead to changes of release dates for players.

The host nation has played the first match between 1958 and 1970, and again since the 2006 tournament in Germany.

The 1974-2002 tournaments were opened by the defending champion who however is no longer automatically qualified. There was no official opening game between 1930 and 1954.

ALSO READ-India-Qatar bilateral trade touched $15 billion: Naidu

Previous Story

Nike to empower women during phases of pregnancy and beyond

Next Story

‘Failures happened several times in my career’

Latest from SPORT

BROAD WARNING

Stuart Broad urges England to stay mentally sharp and wait for the collapse, pointing to India’s Headingley horror as proof that wickets

Tigresses Tame Iraq

With this win, the Blue Tigresses remain unbeaten, having now claimed three wins in as many matches…reports Asian Lite News The Indian

Top Javelin Throwers Ranked

Reigning world champion and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has reclaimed the top spot in the men’s javelin throw world rankings, according

Gill: Bumrah Ready, Decision Soon

After a back stress fracture in the final 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Test, where he dominated Australia, Bumrah was confirmed by Gambhir and Gill

Don't Miss