Well, that was a real nice competition we had once.
FIFA’s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar has been the subject of much controversy.
It was suspected from the outset that the sweltering heat of Qatar would force the tournament to be played in winter rather than summer for the first time in its history. Today, FIFA confirmed the dates.
Whereas most World Cups take place between June and July, 2022 will begin on November 21 and the final will be held on December 18, exactly one week before Christmas day.
It remains unclear how the World Cup will fit the schedule of domestic leagues, most of which play through November and December.
The 2022 World Cup will be the last World Cup to feature 32 teams before the tournament is expanded to include 48. The 2026 World Cup will be held across Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Match of the Day host and former England striker Gary Lineker has voiced his opposition to the move, writing: “FIFA’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar will take place between November 21st and December 18th. The World Cup has always been a welcomed spectacle during a long football free summer, rather than an interruption of the football season. Darn shame we have to wait 8 years.”
FIFA’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar will take place between November 21st and December 18th. The World Cup has always been a welcomed spectacle during a long football free summer, rather than an interruption of the football season. Darn shame we have to wait 8 years.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 13, 2018
