SPORTS TALK

Fifa moves goalposts on World Cup

Soccer fans will get their World Cup fix a day earlier than expected as Fifa has moved the upcoming tournament in Qatar forward. The surprise late switch was signed off by a Fifa committee comprising its president, Gianni Infantino, and presidents of the six continental soccer bodies.

The unanimous decision will ensure the continuity of a longstanding tradition in which the first match of a World Cup features either the hosts or the defending champions, Infantino says.

Qatar, the host city, will now play Ecuador in Doha on 20 November instead of 21 November. The match between Senegal and the Netherlands, who were previously set to open the event, has been rescheduled for later that afternoon.

The tournament will now take place from 20 November to 18 December.