New World Cup 2022 Start Date: Qatar vs Ecuador, Opening Ceremony Moved

The 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, the administrative arm of the world governing body Fifa submitted a proposal to move the Qatar game.

The kick-off will be at 16:00 BST which means the tradition of the hosts or holders starting the tournament continues.

The proposal followed discussions with Qatar and their opponents Ecuador, after receiving a request from the South American confederation Conmebol.

The change will not affect the release dates for players, and Senegal against the Netherlands will now be at 16:00 on 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.