World Cup set to begin a day earlier, with Qatar vs. Ecuador moved ahead to Nov. 20

By Staff On Aug 10, 2022

The 2022 World Cup is about to begin a day sooner than deliberate with FIFA anticipated to maneuver Qatar‘s opening recreation to Sunday, Nov. 20, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

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Since 2006 the primary match of the event has featured the host nation, however the 2022 version is at the moment scheduled to start on Monday, Nov. 21 with Senegal vs. Netherlands.

The proposal, with settlement from each nations and CONMEBOL, the South American confederation, is for Qatar vs. Ecuador to maneuver ahead at some point, with a kickoff time of seven p.m. native (4 p.m. GMT, 11 a.m. ET). It will likely be the one match performed on the Sunday and can lengthen the event to 29 days.

Within the authentic schedule, the hosts’ first match was attributable to be the third recreation on Monday, kicking off at 7 p.m. native time, successfully which means there can be a gap ceremony after the event had kicked off. Sources advised ESPN earlier this 12 months that Qatar initially requested to have a later kickoff on Nov. 21 as a result of the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, insisted on having an enormous fireworks show earlier than his nation’s opening match and a day kickoff would have severely diminished its visible impression.

Sources have advised ESPN that shifting the sport to Sunday will give Qatar the prospect to showcase the World Cup and have the opening ceremony as a standalone occasion.

Senegal vs. Netherlands will transfer from 1 p.m. native time to 7 p.m., the slot left vacant by shifting Qatar’s match, on the Monday. It means there shall be no early kickoff. The opposite two video games on Monday — England vs. IR Iran (4 p.m. native) and United States vs. Wales (10 p.m. native) — are unaffected.

It would now be put ahead to the Bureau of the FIFA Council, made up of president Gianni Infantino and the leaders from the six confederations, for approval with affirmation anticipated later this week. Sources advised ESPN that FIFA has assessed the impression on supporters and expects it to be minimal, although any points over journey and lodging shall be dealt with on a case-by-case foundation.

Proposed new schedule

Sunday, Nov. 20
Group A: Qatar vs. Ecuador (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 7 p.m.)

Monday, Nov. 21
Group B: England vs. Iran (Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group A: Senegal vs. Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 7 p.m.)
Group B: United States vs. Wales (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 p.m.)

The information was first reported by Ole in Argentina.