Italy dumped out of Qatar 2022 reckoning by late North Macedonia strike
By Andrew Warshaw
March 25 – From European champions to World Cup elimination in just nine months.
World Cup
Al-Thawadi says Van Gaal’s anti-Qatar 2022 comments are ridiculous
March 25 – The public face of the Qatar World Cup has hit back at Dutch coach Louis van Gaal for criticising the decision to hold the event in the Gulf state, countering that van Gaal has failed to understand the Arab world’s passion for football.
Costa Rica end Canada’s unbeaten run to keep their Qatar 2022 challenge alive
March 25 – Costa Rica catapulted themselves back into contention for a place at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 win over group leaders Canada, the first time the Canadians have been beaten in the final round of qualifying.
Iraq beat UAE 1-0 to take Qatar 2022 play-off slot qualification to the wire
March 25 – Iraq stunned the United Arab Emirates with a 1-0 win to move them to within a point of the UAE and the Qatar 2022 play-off spots with a game to go.
Japan’s late goals secure Qatar 2022 spot with Saudi and send Aussie to play-offs
March 24 – Japan and Saudi Arabia have ensured their passage to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following the Samurai Blue’s dramatic last-gasp 2-0 win against the Socceroos in Sydney.
FIFA juggles next week’s World Cup draw protocols with three slots left open
March 23 – Excitement and anticipation is mounting ahead of next week’s World Cup draw in Qatar which will be conspicuous by the three slots that will still be open because of Russia’s war with Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Asian Qualifiers: Crunch time for Aussie and Japan in race to Qatar 2022
March 23 – On Thursday, Australia will host Japan in a blockbuster that will all but decide the fate of two of the powerhouses in Asia’s final round of World Cup qualifying. Graham Arnold and the Socceroos must win if they are to remain in contention for an automatic qualifying place for Qatar 2022.
FIFA opens new Qatar 2022 ticket window on first-come, first-served basis
March 23 – FIFA has opened up another ticket buying window for the Qatar 2022 World Cup ahead of the Final Draw next week.
Van Gaal slams FIFA award of 2022 hosting to Qatar as only about the money
March 22 – Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has rekindled the controversy over staging the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by describing the move as “ridiculous” and has lambasted the idea that it would help grow the game in the tiny Gulf state.
Qatar 2022 volunteer programme launched with 20,000 spaces to fill
March 22 – FIFA has launched the volunteer programme for the 2022 World Cup, with 20,000 places looking to be filled.
Civil unrest forces Iraq’s crucial home tie against UAE to be shifted to Saudi Arabia
March 21 – So near but so far. Iraqi dreams of hosting their remaining home tie in the final group stage of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying have been dashed following unrest in the country.
OFC 2022 qualifiers: Solomon Islands open with win, Vanuatu hit by Covid, NZ waiting
March 18 – The Solomon Islands defeated the Cook Islands 2-0 to kick off the eight-team Oceania World Cup qualifiers with a ticket for the intercontinental playoffs at stake, but on the first day of the tournament Tahiti – Vanuatu had to be postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak.
Migrant worker issues in focus as FIFA meet Amnesty to discuss Qatar 2022 progress
March 14 – FIFA are back in discussion with Amnesty International over the conditions for migrant workers in Qatar in connection with the World Cup. This time the discussion is not focussed on construction workers by on those in the service and hospitality sector.
Qatar 2022: Russian ban sees Poles given a bye to final play-off, Swedes say it is unfair
By Andrew Warshaw
March 9 – As anticipated, Poland has been awarded a bye over Russia in their World Cup playoff semi-final scheduled for March 24 and will now meet the winner of Sweden-Czech Republic to secure a place in Qatar.
Iraq to host UAE in only the second World Cup qualifier on home soil for 11 years
March 8 – Iraq are returning to Iraq for their final home fixture in March in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for Qatar 2022, the first time they have played a match on home soil in the qualifying campaign.