Qatar 2022

But I wonder then about Qatar 2022 qualifying because at best they would have to start late again

 

Are you talking about UEFA WC qualifying? My opinion has always been that they should start it earlier than planned. Ideally October. November at the latest.

 

So the Nations League can be a back-door way for a team to make it to the World Cup.

I guess people can't call it a meaningless tournament anymore. Or Glorified friendlies.

 

Thanks! Was travelling last week so missed that news. Did they also announce how they were going to fit the NL and its playoffs and the Euro 2021 qualifying playoffs and the 2022 WC qualifiers into the limited number of FIFA windows that remain between now and mid-2022?

It always meant something. The 2018-19 NL leads directly to 4 spots in the Euros. It also impacted the Euro 2021 group-stage draw. The 2020-21 NL would determine 3 out of 12 playoff spots, but I believe only teams in Leagues A and B have a legit shot at getting those playoff spots.

It could be argued that only League B in the NL really matters since League A teams would realistically be guaranteed a playoff spot (unless they rank the group winners of League B ahead of 4th place teams from League A(?)).

 

Yes, but people around here were still calling it meaningless and glorified friendlies with the Euro significance.
This reinforces its importance even more with the World Cup connection.

 

At the time you asked me this question there was only one source from a Bolivian paper that I could find online.

According to Sports Illustrated in the USA the 25th is the date FIFA will have a virtual conference call to discuss Qualifying so the Bolivian press was right:

A meeting to determine the coronavirus-era international calendar is set for this week, with the clarity it yields giving Concacaf its marching orders to set its path to Qatar 2022.

https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/06/2...calendar-concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-format

 

That's too many international dates this fall.

 

is this just a suggestion, or is it confirmed ?

 

There is also a plan that if they struggle getting international matches played this fall that they'd add a 3 fixture break in January. Let's say all of 2020 gets wiped out. 3 in January 2021 and 3 in January 2022 to make up for it. If its less than that they'd adjust.

 

I am all for a January break. Especially since Africa is still planning on having a Nations Cup during that time.

Might as well allow other National Teams play too.

 

Lets get real! Domestic leagues in Europe are starting their 2020-21 seasons a full month late. CL starting six weeks late.

You guys are talking about adding Int’l breaks in January and expanding breaks from 2 to 3 machdays in a season that somehow needs to be compressed by a month to make up for the late start. Something has to give and its not going to be the club football season.

 

I agree. The only difference is that with Euro, 4 nations league group winners are guaranteed tournament spots, with World Cup all they get are two spots in the playoffs.

 

I love this new format for UEFA qualifying for 2022

 

I am not sure. I would expect a couple of big nations not to qualify since the playoff is now more of a crap-shoot.

 

But that is the beauty of it

 

I love a good upset or a good Cinderella story like Iceland in 2016-17 or Korea over Germany in 2018. But not a big fan of formats that make upsets almost inevitable.

(If that makes any sense)

 

I guess but then it gives other European countries a chance at glory so really can you begrudge FIFA or UEFA for this