Explained: Why so much stoppage time is being added on to World Cup 2022 matches

FIFA are determined to extend the length of time the ball is in play for, to keep its matches entertaining to watch.

TIME TRAVEL: A giant screen displays additional time of 14 minutes in the Iran-England game on Monday. Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Tuesday started a new World Cup era. Because, for the first time in the 92-year history of the most popular sporting tournament in the world, football fans will be able to gorge on an unprecedented four matches per day.

You would think 360 minutes of live action — a quarter of the entire day — would be enough football for FIFA. But you would be wrong. Because, if the first four matches are anything to go by, the 2022 World Cup is set to be the longest on record.