World Cup 2022: Official Fixture Dates, Kick Off Times & More

World Cup 2022 is just around the corner! Ok, so it may be a couple of years off - and we may have Euro 2020 still to contend with first, but these things creep up on you quicker than you realise.

And the greatest tournament in international football felt a whole lot closer on Wednesday afternoon, when FIFA announced the dates, locations and schedule for the entire Qatar World Cup.

That's right. From this day forward, we know which date we will be celebrating World Cup final glory, or perhaps more accurately, which day we will be staring into the abyss, facing a group stage collapse. It depends on your outlook, really...

But what exactly are the important dates to remember, and what other information should we bear in mind? Don't worry. 90min has got you covered. Here is all you need to know from FIFA's big announcement on World Cup 2022.

When is the Opening Fixture?

Yep, we'll start at the beginning. For the entirety of 2021, we'll be waiting with bated breath for the start of this prestigious event. And on Monday November 21 at 11am (UK time), the wait will be over.

The first two teams will step out on the Qatari turf at the Al Bayt stadium, located in Al Khor - which is still to be finished - and kick off the winter World Cup. There will be four group-stage matches every day, kicking off at 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm for 12 days of festive fun!

The stadiums have also been selected so that no air travel is needed between venues.

Endless football!

When Will the Knockout Rounds Begin?

So we've sat through every single group stage clash, and we're still nowhere near sick of football. The big question on our lips is: When do we get more football?!

Patience, fanatics. Your next dose of matches will come in the form of the Round of 16, which begins on December 3. This crucial game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium, a 48,000 seater in Doha.

This one is actually finished, too, and it'll host the third-place playoff on December 17, just before the final...

When is the Final?

This is the question we are all really asking. When is the bloomin' final?! Just like any solid international team built on years of success, good things come to those who wait. And now, with your nation in the final, your hopes and dreams will come crashing down to reality on December 18, when you'll undoubtedly lose to your bitter rivals.

But don't worry, if you're going to suffer this heartbreak, there couldn't be a better setting for it. The final will take place at the Lusail Stadium at 4pm (UK time), with an expected crowd of around 80,000 supporters.

What a month of football we have in store for us!... In two and a half years time.

I can't wait!