FIFA has shifted the start of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar forward by one day to allow the host nation play after the opening ceremony on Sunday, November 20.
The decision is confirmed by the football governing body on Friday, citing an assessment of the “competition and operational implications” as well as consultations with stakeholders and the host nation.
“The change ensures the continuation of a long-standing tradition of marking the start of the FIFA World Cup with an opening ceremony on the occasion of the first match featuring either the hosts or the defending champions,” FIFA said in a statement.
On November 21, Senegal and the Netherlands were scheduled to play their first game.
Following Friday decision, that match was rescheduled for six hours later, taking the evening slot previously reserved for Qatar v Ecuador.
