Fifa officially confirm change to World Cup 2022 start date | OneFootball

Fifa have confirmed that this year’s World Cup will start a day earlier on November 20.

The initial fixture list, released last year, saw the tournament begin on Monday November 21 with Senegal taking on Netherlands in the opening match.

But with just three months to go before kick off in Qatar it has been decided to move the tournament forward by one day.

Fifa have released a statement saying that Qatar v Ecuador will now be the opening game with kick off at 19:00 local time.

“The change ensures the continuity of a long-standing tradition of marking the start of the FIFA World Cup™ with an opening ceremony on the occasion of the first match featuring either the hosts or the defending champions,” said Fifa.

“The decision followed an assessment of the competition and operational implications, as well as a thorough consultation process and an agreement with key stakeholders and the host country.”

Senegal’s clash with the Dutch will now take place at 19:00 local time on November 21.