Qatar World cup to be played in winter months, confirms Gianni Infantino
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2022 Qatar World Cup would be played in winter as opposed to the usual summer season. He stated that it is the right decision and the leagues have been informed of the development and they would adjust their schedule according to World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday confirmed the dates for the 2022 World Cup, which would be held in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December.
According to a report in ESPN, the next edition of the World Cup would switch to the winter months as Qatar's summer climate is not deemed suitable for the mega event.
"The dates for the World Cup are set. It will be played in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December, 2022," Infantino said.
"The leagues are all aware and they will have to adapt their calendars as a consequence. In the end, it is the right decision. It cannot be played in June and July and in November and December the players are very well prepared because it is almost the beginning of the season."
Infantino did not give any new information on whether the first 48-team tournament would be held in Qatar in 2022 instead of in 2026 as originally planned.
“First we will discuss with the Qataris and then with the FIFA Council and stakeholders and decide calmly what the decision is,” he said. “For the moment, we have a World Cup with 32 teams.”
As things stand, the Qatar World Cup would be the final version of the tournament with 32 teams before expanding to 48 for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
