Portugal moves home 2022 qualifier to Italy in bid to secure player releases
March 5 – Portugal have moved their home World Cup qualifying game against Azerbaijan to Turin in a bid to use their leading English-based stars.
World Cup
Call of duty: Liverpool lead Premier League battle against player releases for 2022 qualifiers
March 4 – English Premier League clubs are reported to have held crisis talks over releasing players for this month’s international break amid concerns that some may be forced to quarantine for 10 days on their return.
Norwegian clubs call on FA to boycott Qatar 2022
March 1 – Norwegian top flight clubs Tromso and Odds Ballklubb have urged their FA to boycott the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Norway to open ‘home’ 2022 qualifying campaign in Spain, against Turkey
February 25 – Norway will play its first ‘home’ World Cup qualifier on neutral venue in Spain next month because of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Qatar plans focussed on full stadia for 2022 World Cup
February 9 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers say they are anticipating full stadiums when the tournament takes place in 21 months’ time.
World Cup legacy: Qatar 2022 organisers sign MoU with NHRC
February 3 – Qatar World Cup organisers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the country’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) to enhance the human rights legacy of the 2022 global finals.
Qatar 2022 hospitality sales could hit $450m, despite pandemic
By David Owen
January 28 – Match Hospitality agents have committed to record World Cup sales targets, auguring well for the sale of official Qatar 2022 hospitality packages, which gets under way on Monday (February 1).
2026 World Cup host selectors to pick 16 cities across North America by year end
January 27 – FIFA plans to appoint host cities for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico by the last quarter of this year.
Europe and Asia lead way to WWC2023 as FIFA add in 10-team qualifying tournament
December 30 – The expanded 32-team Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 will guarantee 11 direct slots to European nations and six to Asian nations.
Qatar inaugurates Al Rayyan Stadium with 20,000 fans and win for Al Sadd
December 21 – Xavi’s Al Sadd won the Amir Cup for a record 17th time defeating Al Arabia 2-1 to inaugurate the Al Rayyan Stadium, the fourth 2022 World Cup venue to be completed.
CAS doping ban could keep ‘Russia’ out of Qatar 2022 – unless they reached the final
December 18 – Russia’s participation in the 2022 World Cup has been plunged into jeopardy after a landmark ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) banning the country from using its name, flag and anthem at the next two Olympics or any world championships for the next two years.
Qatar debut fourth World Cup 2022 venue with Al Rayyan hosting Amir Cup final
December 18 – Al Sadd and Al Arabi will meet tonight in the final of the Amir Cup to inaugurate the Al Rayyan Stadium, one of eight venues for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Qatar to guest in UEFA’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers
December 9 – World Cup hosts Qatar are to be included as a guest team in the European section of qualifying for the 2022 tournament in order to gain more match experience.
2022 World Cup draw plots clear travel routes to Qatar for Europe’s ‘big’ nations
By Andrew Warshaw
December 8 – For once there wasn’t a group of death as such but there is no doubt some got it far easier than others.
Qatar readies fourth 2022 venue with Al Rayyan opening set for Dec.18
December 2 – Qatar will inaugurate a fourth World Cup stadium when the Al Rayyan venue hosts the Amir Cup Final on December 18, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has announced.