FIFA World Cup final to hold December 18

FIFA has confirmed that the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar will be played on Sunday December 18.

Due to the fierce heat of June and July in Qatar, FIFA has for the first time moved the World Cup to the winter.

The World Cup final will take place a week before Christmas a decision which will allow  the English traditional Boxing Day club matches to take place.

The tournament which will begin on November 21, has been shortened to be played in 28 days instead of the usual 32.

The final on Sunday December 18 is also Qatar's national day.

FIFA's director of communications Walter De Gregorio said: "The ExCo decided today that the World Cup as proposed by the task force will be played in November-December, with the final on the 18th of December.

"Based on the proposal of the task force, we're going to try to play in 28 days. That's the decision in principle. Now we have to see with the international match calendar how this might be possible."