FIFA moves World Cup start date to November 20

The International Federation of Football Association FIFA announced the 2022 World Cup will start a day earlier than scheduled on November 20. According to the statement released on Thursday (Aug. 11), the opening game will be played by Qatar and Ecuador, starting at 1:00 pm (Brasilia time) at the Al Bayt stadium.

Originally two matches were supposed to take place before the clash involving the hosts: Netherlands - Senegal, and England - Iran. The three games were scheduled for November 21, the same day as the opening ceremony.

“The change ensures the continuity of a long tradition of marking the beginning of the World Cup with an opening ceremony on the occasion of the first match between the hosts and the defending champions,” justifies FIFA.

Brazil debuts at the World Cup on Thursday, November 24, playing Serbia at 4 pm (Brasilia time).