World Cup hosts Qatar have been added to Ireland's qualification group for the 2022 finals. Qatar, who have qualified automatically as hosts, will play Ireland and other countires in Group A in matches to help them prepare for the finals but those games will not count towards qualification. The Middle-Eastern nation will have to play their 'home' games against the other nations, including Ireland, at a venue in Europe. There is then a break in the campaign until September with another triple header: away to Portugal and games at home to Azerbaijan and Serbia. Ireland's 2022 World Cup qualification fixtures:Wednesday March 24, 2021: Serbia (away)Saturday March 27: Luxembourg (home)Tuesday March 30: Qatar (home - non-competitive)Wednesday September 1: Portugal (away)Saturday September 4: Azerbaijan (home)Tuesday September 7: Serbia (home)Saturday October 9: Azerbaijan (away)Tuesday October 12: Qatar (away - non-competitive)Thursday November 11: Portugal (home)Sunday November 14: Luxembourg (away)Online Editors

Source: Irish Independent December 08, 2020 18:02 UTC