The World Cup could start in Qatar a day earlier than scheduled as FIFA looks at a plan to let the host nation play the first match.
After all, the host nation of Qatar is scheduled to take the field in the opening match of its own World Cup tournament. It would be on a stand-alone day that was added to the schedule just 100 days before the start of play. According to a person familiar with the plan, the world cup of soccer will now begin a day sooner than it was originally planned seven years ago. This will allow Qatar to play Ecuador on November 20.
Authorities involved might reach a decision soon
A decision, according to the source, might be reached in a matter of days by a group made up of Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. It will also include the executives of the six continental soccer associations.
The person spoke solely on the condition of anonymity as the details of the matter were not allowed to be discussed. The source claimed that CONMEBOL and Qatari authorities have supported the plan. The talks involved the Qatar and Ecuador soccer authorities.
World Cup to now officially begin in November in Qatar
As a result of a FIFA decision made in 2015, the World Cup will now officially begin on Monday, November 21, avoiding the scorching desert heat of June and July. In order to minimize the impact on domestic soccer, particularly in Europe, which will shut down prior to the World Cup, FIFA also received approval for a 28-day program that is comparatively shorter.
The Netherlands, Senegal, and Ecuador were placed in Group A alongside Qatar at the tournament draw on April 1 in Doha. The third game, between Qatar and Ecuador, was scheduled to begin in the evening six hours after the second game between the Netherlands and Senegal at 1 p.m. local time.
However, a match between Qatar and Ecuador would feature a few players who play for European clubs and provide the host country an exclusive day to kick off their competition.
