World Cup 2022: Tournament set to start one day early with Qatar v Ecuador

Qatar's opening Group A game against Ecuador was originally scheduled for Monday, 21 November at the Al Bayt Stadium

The World Cup is set to start one day earlier than planned on Sunday, 20 November with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador.

The opening match of the tournament was to be Senegal v the Netherlands at 10:00, earlier on the Monday.

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

It followed discussions with Qatar and their opponents Ecuador, after receiving a request from the South American Confederation Conmebol.

It fits in with the tradition of either the hosts or the holders being involved in the opening game.

The final decision will be made by the bureau of the Fifa council, which comprises the six confederation presidents, plus Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

If it is approved as expected, it would not change the release dates for players, and the Netherlands v Senegal match would be switched to 16:00 on the Monday, given only three games would be played instead of the present four.

England's Group B match against Iran, which is being played at 13:00 on 21 November, would be unaffected.

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