World Cup sources informed AFP on Wednesday that the World Cup’s first game, between the hosts Qatar and Ecuador, would be moved ahead one day to November 20.
The decision, which must be ratified by the FIFA Council before the 100-day countdown begins this Monday, will maintain the custom of having the host nation play first.
According to the current schedule, on November 21, Senegal and the Netherlands play their first game, and then later that day, Qatar and Ecuador play in the actual inaugural game.
According to World Cup sources, confirmation of the modification should come soon. The Qatari organizing committee and FIFA declined to comment.
“There were discussions and agreement between the two respective teams and there was a request from CONMEBOL — the South American confederation,” one World Cup source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity as no official decision has been announced.
“We wanted to follow the tradition that either the reigning champions or the host country be involved in the opening match,” the source added.
Another tournament source told AFP that “any disruption would be managed with so impact is minimized” for spectators who purchased tickets for the November 21 game.
The Netherlands vs. Senegal match would now begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 21 instead of 1:00 p.m. (1000 GMT). According to the World Cup source, “it is a better time for both teams in terms of broadcast and other aspects.”
