FIFA postpones Vietnam’s World Cup 2022 qualifying matches

FIFA has officially pushed back the date for all World Cup 2022 qualifying matches in Asia to 2021, including three for Vietnam due to the ongoing epidemic, according to VN Express.

In its statement, The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that all qualifiers for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 will be moved from this year October and November to some time next year.

“With the aim of protecting the health and safety of all participants, FIFA and the AFC will continue to work together to closely monitor the situation in the region and to identify new dates…,” the statement said. 

This is the second time the qualifying matches in Asia had to be rescheduled. 

The change of plan may present new challenges for Vietnam’s training schedules. On Aug. 11, the Vietnam Professional Football Company discussed possible future tournaments within the nation once the pandemic has settled down. 

Currently, Vietnam stand first in Group G with 11 points from five games, led by Coach Park Hang-Seo.

Hanoi will be the main host for the 31st South East Asia Games next year.