Qatar will kick off the 2022 World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor; organisers announced on Wednesday, July 15, as they revealed the schedule for the finals.
In a joint statement, FIFA and Qatar’s Supreme Committee organisational body said that the gas-rich Gulf nation will start the World Cup at the 60,000-capacity ground on November 21.
The final will be held at the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium in Doha nearly a month later on December 18.
The opening match will begin a group stage that will feature four matches a day for 12 days; spread over eight stadiums around Qatar.
Group matches will kick off at three-hour intervals, beginning at 1:00 pm local time (1000 GMT); with the late match kicking off at 10:00 pm local time.
The tournament will then jump straight to the last 16; with two matches a day until two rest days and the start of the quarter- and semi-finals, which will both be spread over two days.
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Qualification for the World Cup has begun in Asia and Africa. But is yet to start in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Organisers said on Wednesday that the draw for the finals would be made; “after the March 2022 international match calendar qualifying window”.
Both the Al Bayt and Lusail stadiums are still under construction; although the Al Bayt ground — which takes its shape from the traditional tents used by nomadic peoples in the Gulf region — is nearing completion, according to World Cup organisers.
Earlier this month several sources told AFP that World Cup organisers will lay off an undisclosed number of staff; as Qatar cuts costs amid the coronavirus economic downturn. Qatar has one of the world’s highest per capita infection rates.
Meanwhile, Lille striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly entered into negotiations with Napoli, having made up his mind to join the Serie A side rather than Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The Nigeria international has decided to team up with the Parthenopeans; and the deal could be completed as early as Thursday.
Osimhen has been linked with a number of European clubs following his eye-catching performances for Christophe Galtier’s men in the 2019-20 season.
Napoli has, however, been leading the race to secure his signature and the striker was believed to be close to securing a move to the side last month; but his agent raised the issue of racism in Italy.
