When does the World Cup start? Date, time, first match and opening ceremony for FIFA Qatar 2022
In the tournament phase, 32 teams, including the automatically qualifying host nation, compete for the title at venues within the host nation over about a month. This article is about the men's association football tournament. Qatari officials initially stated in December 2020 that, in accordance with FIFA's inclusion policy, it would not restrict the display of pro-LGBT imagery and symbols at matches during the World Cup. On 19 March 2015, FIFA sources confirmed that the final would be played on 18 December. Unlike previous FIFA World Cups, which are typically played in June and July, the 2022 World Cup will be played in November and December to avoid the intense Qatari summer heat. In contrast, domestic leagues which typically start their seasons in the northern spring and play through the summer, such as Major League Soccer, will be able to conclude their seasons before the start of the tournament. Up to four matches will be played each day in the group-stage period. For ...