World Cup 2022: Tournament will start one day early with Qatar v Ecuador
- Published
Qatar's opening Group A game against Ecuador was originally scheduled for Monday, 21 November at the Al Bayt Stadium
The FIFA World Cup will start a day earlier than planned on Sunday, 20 November with hosts Qatar facing Ecuador.
The game was due to be played on 21 November as the third game, with Senegal against the Netherlands set to be the opening match earlier that day.
However, world governing body Fifa has switched the Qatar game.
Kick-off will be at 16:00 GMT and means the tradition of the hosts or holders starting the tournament continues.
The decision followed discussions with Qatar and Ecuador, after Fifa received a request from the South American confederation Conmebol.
The change will not the affect the release dates for players, and Senegal against the Netherlands will now be at 16:00 on the Monday, given only three games will be played instead of four.
England's Group B match with Iran, which is being played at 13:00 on 21 November, is unaffected, as is Wales' opening match against the United States of America at 19:00 on the same date.
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