Qatar set for Arab Cup kick off and another test of 2022 readiness
November 30 – Mauritania and Tunisia kick off the FIFA Arab Cup tonight, a tournament that will serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2022 World Cup organisers.
World Cup
Qatar to host OFC nations for centralised 2022 World Cup qualifying
November 30 – Qatar will host the 2022 Oceania World Cup qualifiers featuring eight participants following the withdrawal of both Samoa and American Samoa, FIFA have announced.
Third Norwegian journalist detained in Qatar
November 30 – In the build-up to the 2022 World Cup and with press coverage intensifying on the hosts Qatar, a third Norwegian journalist has been arrested in the country but later released without charge.
End of the road: Portugal and Italy on track for winner-takes-all Qatar 2022 decider
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Almost unthinkably, next year’s World Cup finals in Qatar will be conspicuous by the absence of either four-time winners and current European champions Italy or Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Danish journalists’ union warns members of dangers reporting Qatar 2022 World Cup
November 26 – Denmark’s Union of Journalists is urging its members not to travel to Qatar to cover next year’s World Cup, saying the country cannot be trusted in the wake of two Norwegian reporters being arrested.
Qataris arrest Norwegian TV journos for filming migrant labour camp
By Samindra Kunti
November 25 – Qatar detained Norwegian journalists Halvor Ekeland and Lokman Ghorbani from state television NRK for “trespassing” after they filmed a migrant labour camp. After 30 hours, the pair were released, but the incident has sparked a diplomatic row between Norway and the World Cup hosts.
Qatar 2022 intercontinental play-offs to be winner-takes-all single-leg ties
November 23 – FIFA has decided to ditch the two-legged format for the intercontinental playoffs in favour of single games at neutral venues in the race to secure the final spots at next year’s World Cup.
Qatar 2022: Fanfare for final year countdown but scepticism still lurks despite legacy hopes
By Andrew Warshaw
November 22 – With global scrutiny of Qatar’s human rights record showing little respite, the public face of the 2022 World Cup, Hassan Al-Thawadi, says he hopes the tournament will help “wash away” stereotypical attitudes towards the country.
Qatar 2022 organisers dial-in Stadium 974 as ready for action
November 22 – Qatar has completed the build of Stadium 974, the latest of its 2022 World Cup stadia to be declared tournament ready.
Danes vow to human rights messages on training kit at Qatar 2022 World Cup
November 19 – Denmark will wear messages highlighting human rights on their training kit during the World Cup in Qatar next year.
Infantino marvels over Lusail Stadium and promises 2022 will open the world’s eyes
November 18 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has praised the preparations for the 2022 World Cup on a visit to Doha’s Lusail Stadium where he met with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.
Canada freeze out Mexico to go top of Qatar 2022 qualifying
November 18 – Canada took control of the Concacaf World Cup final qualifying in Edmonton with a win over Mexico putting them the top of the group. It was a night of drama that also saw the USA drop points and to third in the table as Panama forced themselves back into contention.
FIFA 2026 venue inspectors turn focus on Edmonton
November 18 – With Canada have pushed themselves into the top qualifying slot for the 2002 World Cup in Edmonton, it was the city’s turn to stake its claim to be a host venue for 2026.
2022 qualifying on hold as FIFA probe SAFA’s complaint of match-fixing
November 17 – FIFA will review South Africa’s appeal for a replay with Ghana in World Cup qualifying. The South Africans demanded an investigation after they lost a crunch qualifier in controversial fashion against Ghana 1-0, prompting Bafana officials to believe match-fixing was involved.
Qatar 2022: Italy stumble into play-offs, big wins for Swiss and English see them qualify
November 16 – Just four months after winning the delayed Euro 2020, Italy have missed out on an automatic place at the World Cup finals and will have to rely on the playoffs to get them to Qatar.