Brazil could open their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana Stadium, under plans being considered by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The South American zone qualifiers are expected to begin in September, more than five months later than originally planned amid the coronavirus pandemic. Brazil’s opening home qualifiers – against Bolivia, Venezuela and Argentina – had been earmarked for the cities of Recife, Brasilia and Sao Paulo, respectively. However, the health crisis has prompted the CBF to seek alternatives in an effort to reduce travel times and allow the national squad to train close to match venues, according to the Globo Esporte news outlet.
