The FIFA Office announced on Thursday, in a consensus decision, that the opening ceremony of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the match between the host nation and Ecuador would be moved to a new date. The schedule shift pushes the original opening fixtures one day earlier, moving the ceremonial start and the opening match from the 21st to the 20th of November. The change places Senegal against the Netherlands at the traditional kickoff time but on a different day, aligning with FIFA’s broader plan for the tournament timeline.
FIFA stated that the World Cup will begin with a celebration that resonates with fans in Qatar and across the globe. The host nation is set to meet Ecuador at 7:00 PM local time on Sunday, November 20. The FIFA Council Bureau reached the unanimous conclusion to advance both the opening ceremony and the opening game by one day, reinforcing the organizers’ intent to optimize the start of the tournament while balancing venue operations and spectator access. This was confirmed in a formal statement issued by FIFA.
As a consequence, the opening match between Senegal and the Netherlands, which originally was scheduled for the tournament’s first day, will now occur at the new kickoff time on Monday, November 21, at 7:00 PM rather than the previously scheduled 1:00 PM local time. The adjustment keeps the competition on track while accommodating logistical considerations and the desire to deliver a memorable kickoff experience for fans worldwide.
FIFA explained that this revision preserves a longstanding World Cup tradition, where either the host nation or the defending champion plays the tournament’s first match in conjunction with the opening ceremony. The decision followed a comprehensive assessment of operational aspects and the overall impact on the tournament, including consultations with major stakeholders and the host country. The organization emphasized that the change was made with the goal of ensuring a smooth opening for players, teams, officials, and fans alike (FIFA, 2022).
Even though the World Cup kickoff was moved by a day, FIFA confirmed that the player registration and eligibility period, as outlined in the Regulations on the Status and Transfers of Players, remains intact. Clubs were to begin their national team activities on November 14, allowing players to meet their squads and finalize preparations ahead of the competition. This alignment helps maintain regulatory consistency while providing teams with the necessary time to settle in before the matches begin (FIFA, 2022).
Ticket holders are being informed via email about the updated match dates and times. FIFA noted that any settlements arising from the changes will be resolved on a case-by-case basis, and the organization will continue to engage with concerned parties to address issues that may affect travel, accommodation, and match day arrangements. The approach reflects FIFA’s commitment to transparency and practical problem-solving as the tournament opens, ensuring stakeholders understand the rationale behind the revised schedule and the steps being taken to implement it smoothly (FIFA, 2022).