Asia’s 2022 WC, 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers Postponed until 2021

Qualifying matches in Asia for the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup have been delayed until next year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the international governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation reported on Wednesday, reports Reuters.   

The matches were initially expected to take place in October and November 2020, according to a statement.     

"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 for the respective qualifying matches," it added.

"Further details on the new dates for the next round of qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 will be announced in due course."