Turks stun Dutch as 2022 World Cup qualifying begins in Europe
March 25 – Turkey stunned the Netherlands with a Burak Yilmaz hattrick to win 4-2 in the opening round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers and leave the Dutch campaign in the doldrums.
World Cup
Another stab: Albanian FA asks government if fans attend England game if vaccinated
March 24 – Having had one request turned down, Albania’s FA is having a second crack at trying to persuade the authorities to allow a limited number of fans to attend their World Cup qualifier against England on Sunday – this time suggesting they are first vaccinated against coronavirus.
Norwegian team plan protest of Qatar’s human rights record ahead of Gibralter qualifier
March 24 – Norway’s threat of a World Cup boycott in protest at Qatar’s human rights record is set to take centre stage in Gibraltar tonight when the visiting Norwegian team uses the 2022 qualifier to express its support for migrant workers helping the host nation prepare for the tournament.
South American bid favourite to host 2030 World Cup, China bid encouraged
By Andrew Warshaw
March 22 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he wants as many bids as possible for the 2030 World Cup and has not ruled out China even though South America is an early favourite to land the tournament.
Amnesty pressures FIFA to stay focussed on Qatar workers’ rights, despite progress made
March 22 – Amnesty International has called on FIFA to put more pressure on 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar to improve conditions for migrant workers.
Qatar 2022 boycott: Norwegians wary of pull-out, Danes petition for parliamentary debate
March 15 – Calls in Norway for a boycott of next year’s World Cup in Qatar continue to be fiercely debated following an initiative launched recently by top-flight clubs Tromso and Odds Ballklubb.
Kosovans say they will refuse to play 2022 qualifier Spanish ban national flag and anthem
March 10 – A huge political row is brewing after Kosovo threatened to boycott their World Cup qualifier against Spain later this month if they are not allowed to display their flag or play their national anthem before kick-off.
World Cup 2026: Houston make its case for hosting to FIFA bid inspectors
March 10 – Houston is the latest of the US cities presenting its host credentials for the 2026 World Cup to FIFA bid scrutineers.
Conmebol cancels March World Cup qualifiers as European clubs refuse player releases
March 8 – South America’s World Cup qualifiers in March have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions, leaving continental governing body Conmebol with a headache to reschedule the fixtures in a heavily congested calendar.
Baltimore-Maryland present 2026 credentials as host city selection ramps up
March 5 – Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying schedules may be in disarray around the world, but FIFA has already moved on to the next stage of host city selection for its expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup.
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.
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.