Zurich, Nov 20: FIFA changed the World Cup qualifying format for the intercontinental playoffs to be single-leg games at a neutral venue.
The winners of the matches will earn the final two spots at next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
FIFA cited “unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic” when scheduling the games for June, more than two months later than the pre-pandemic schedule.
Single games also avoid teams crossing several time zones for two-leg matchups.
A host was not announced for the two games, which will be played on June 13 and 14.
The playoffs will involve teams from Asia, South America, Oceania and the North American region.
Three of the playoff teams should be known by the end of March.
Asia’s entry is scheduled to be decided in a regional playoff only days before the intercontinental playoffs.
The World Cup is scheduled to start on November 21. (AP)
