FIFA is set to move the start date of the World Cup a day earlier so that host country Qatar can play first, Athleticism understand.
Previously, the tournament was scheduled to start on Monday, November 21, with Senegal taking on the Netherlands.
However, it is understood that Qatar want to play first, as has become the custom for the host country.
Their match against Ecuador is now set to take place on Sunday, November 20. It will begin at 7 p.m. (2 p.m. ET).
England’s opener, against Iran on November 21, will be played that day as scheduled.
GO FURTHER
Why the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is controversial
The decision still needs to be approved by the Bureau of the FIFA Council, made up of President Gianni Infantino and the leaders of each continental confederation (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC and OFC).
The deal is expected to go through meaning the World Cup will now take place from November 20 to December 18.
The host country has appeared in the opening game of every World Cup since 2006, before which the defending champion usually featured in the first game.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar – controversial for reasons outlined in this article – is the first winter World Cup to be held in the northern hemisphere.
The Premier League will pause for more than a month after the weekend of November 12/13 before resuming after the final on December 18. The top-flight season will resume on December 26 for the traditional Boxing Day round.
GO FURTHER
How the World Cup will wreak havoc with the 2022-23 football calendar
Further reading: World Cup 2022
(Photo: Getty Images)