The Qatar World Cup in 2022 will be played from November 21 to December 18 for the first time in history.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the news as the 2018 World Cup in Russia comes to a close.

Infantino confirms that the 2022 #WorldCup will take place between the 21st of November and 18th of December.

“Leagues around the world have been informed already, and of course they will have to adapt.”

— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) July 13, 2018

The change in dates is due to the searing heat in the Middle Eastern country between June and July. FIFA, therefore, took the decision to move the tournament to the more cooler winter months, with a November 21 start date.

The final will be played on December 18, which is also Qatar National Day.

The 2022 World Cup, meanwhile, is set to be held over a reduced time frame of 28 days.