International Federation of Association Football, FIFA, on Friday confirmed that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played from November 21 to December 18.
This marks a stark departure from the established football calendar, and clubs will be forced to renegotiate their domestic schedules.
“The dates of the World Cup are closed, it will be played in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained in Friday’s press conference.
“The leagues have been informed and they will need to adapt their calendars accordingly.
“In the end, this is the right decision and in November and December the players will be more prepared than in July because it’s almost the beginning of the season.”
The 2026 World Cup to be held between the United States of America, Mexico and Canada will boast of 48 teams rather than the traditional 32, as Infantino looks to shake-up the format of the competition.
At this moment the 2022 World Cup will be the last with 32 competitors, although this could change.
“In the next few months we’ll meet with the Qatari organisers and a decision will be made,” he admitted.
“32 teams will take part for the time being. The distribution of qualifiers will also take place as it has previously.”
There had been brief concerns in several South American countries that the fact the 2026 tournament would be hosted in North America meant that they would struggle to be selected to host the 2030 edition, something the president attempted to alleviate.
“It won’t damage them because they are different confederations, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL,” Infantino confirmed.
“There will be many candidates and we hope that everything is done in as part of a correct process.”
SOURCE: Marca.com
