It’s official: Football’s governing body has decided to take the unprecedented step of moving the 2022 World Cup to the winter months to escape Qatar’s searing summer heat. The tournament will now be played in November and December of 2022. The climax of the winter World Cup will take place a week before Christmas, ending with a final match on Qatar’s National Day, Dec. 18, a celebration of independence. The decision to move the 2022 World Cup from its traditional June and July slot was taken because of health concerns for players. Summer temperatures in Qatar can exceed 40C. Fifa also indicated that the 2022 World Cup could be shortened to 28 days. It normally lasts for 31 or 32 days.