FIFA Considering Altering World Cup Schedule To Allow Host Nation Play Opening Tie
In order for Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, to participate in the opening match of the tournament, the first ever World Cup in the Arab world is going to begin one day earlier than originally scheduled.
Africa’s strongest representative, Senegal, was due to take on the Netherlands in the World Cup opening match, billed to take place on Monday, November 21 at 11:00 a.m local time initially.
But, FIFA is considering moving the Qatar versus Ecuador game to Sunday, November 20, at 8:00 p.m, in order to uphold the custom of having the host team open the World Cup. If this occurs, the Senegal versus the Netherlands fixture will be shifted to 5:00 p.m. on November 21.
Since 2006, the host nation has had the distinct honour of taking the field in the opening World Cup match. The 2002 event, which was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, marked the last occasion a host nation did not play in the first match. However, the FIFA Council Bureau, which is made up of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and the presidents of the six confederations – UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC, and OFC – must ratify the move for it to go into effect.
The following schedule will be in effect for the first few days of the Qatar World Cup should the suggested amendments be approved:
Sunday, November 20
Qatar versus Ecuador (8:00 p.m.)
Monday, November 21
England versus Iran (2:00 p.m.)
Senegal versus Netherlands (5:00 p.m.)
United States versus Wales (8:00 p.m.)
