Given the compact nature of Qatar, event organisers were able to assign, for the first time ever, group stage games to a stadium and kick-off time for each matchday after the final draw, optimising the match schedule for the benefit and comfort of spectators, teams, media and the global audience.

Fans will have another chance to apply for FIFA World Cup tickets during the next random selection draw sales period, which will launch on FIFA.com/tickets on Tuesday, 5 April at 11:00 CET (12:00 Doha time).