In a significant shift from tradition, FIFA announced on Friday that the intercontinental playoffs for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will now feature single-leg matches at a neutral venue. This decision, driven by the ‘unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,’ aims to streamline the qualification process and minimize the logistical challenges faced by teams. The matches, scheduled for June 13 and 14, will determine the final two participants in the tournament. While the host venue remains undisclosed, the playoffs will involve teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, and the North American region. The majority of the playoff contenders are expected to be confirmed by the end of March, with Asia’s representative to be decided just days before the intercontinental matches. This marks a departure from the two-legged format introduced in 1986, which often required extensive travel across multiple time zones. The World Cup draw is set for April 1 in Doha, with 30 of the 32 qualifiers already determined. The intercontinental playoff draw will take place on November 26, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on November 21 and its conclusion on December 18.