FIFA confirm new Wales, Ukraine and Scotland World Cup qualifying play-off dates
- Planet Sport writer
- 14 April 2022
Football’s global governing body has confirmed that Ukraine will play Scotland in their World Cup play-off semi-final on June 1.
The match was originally scheduled to take place in March, but was postponed following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
FIFA also confirmed that the winners of that semi-final will take on Wales on June 5 in Cardiff for a place in the finals in Qatar.
The winner of that final play-off match will join England, the United States and Iran in group B of the tournament.
These new dates have also forced changes in the UEFA Nations League calendar. Wales, for instance, will take on Poland on June 1, while their home clash against the Netherlands will now be played on June 8.
Rob Page's side will then face Belgium on June 11 before travelling away to the Netherlands on June 14.
Scotland also face changes with their home clash against Armenia moved from June 4 to June 8. Meanwhile, their home encounter with Ukraine has also been moved to September 21.
Steve Clarke's men will also face the Republic of Ireland on June 11 and travel away to Armenia on June 14.
The Scots will fly over to Ireland on September 24 before travelling away to Ukraine on September 27.
Ian Mawell, who is the chief executive of the Scottish FA, welcomed the revised schedule, saying: "Firstly, it will be great to be able to welcome Ukraine to Hampden Park in June.
"While, understandably, there will be two sets of competitive players who are committed to taking another step closer to World Cup qualification, we also understand and appreciate the wider context in which the match will take place.
"We have been consistent throughout that postponing the original tie was the right and only thing to do and look forward to hosting Ukraine at Hampden Park in June."
The Polish football association has reportedly offered to host Ukraine's preparation camps for the all-important World Cup play-offs and the UEFA Nations League fixtures. It is also understood that the Polish FA has agreed to stage Ukraine's home matches against Armenia - on June 11 - and the Republic of Ireland - on June 14.
