FIFA executive committee confirms winter W/Cup in 2022

FIFA executive committee on Thursday confirmed that the 2022 World Cup will be staged in November/December with the final on December 18. 

A FIFA task force recommended last month that the tournament should be switched from summer to winter.

Also, it was agreed in principle that the tournament should be played over a reduced timeframe most likely for 28 days.

The working group for the international match calendar will meet in due course to finalise the international match calendar for the 2019-2022 cycle.

Confirming the date for the 2022 World Cup final, Walter De Gregorio, FIFA’s director of communications said it was an important step for the federation.

“Finally we know the end of the tournament. It’s a Sunday and, by the way, it’s the national day in Qatar, so it fits perfectly,” he said.

“You have enough time to do your Christmas shopping.”

The decision to move the 2022 World Cup from its traditional June and July date was taken because of health challenges a summer event will have on the players.

Summer temperatures in Qatar can exceed 40C.

In another key decision, the football governing body has chosen France to host the 2019 women’s World Cup ahead of South Korea.

The 1998 World Cup host will also be the venue for the Under-20 women’s tournament in 2018.