Youth Incorporated Magazine

Fifa fans are in for a thrilling ride in 2022. For the first time ever, the World Cup will take place in a Middle East country. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Qatar and will commence on 21 November and end on 18 December. 

Let’s dive into some interesting details about the World Cup and understand what makes it more special this year.  

How did Qatar end up being the country to host the tournament?

Qatar gained the rights to host the World Cup in 2010 winning a ballot of Fifa’s 22 executive members. It left behind the bids made by the USA, South Korea, Japan and Australia, thus becoming the first Arab nation to host the tournament. 

Why are the stadiums in Qatar where the matches are going to be played, becoming an attraction?

Apart from its national stadium, Khalifa Stadium, Qatar has constructed seven stadiums, especially for the World Cup. Except for the Lusail Stadium, which has a capacity of holding 80,000 people, the other six have already been inaugurated. Lusail Stadium is the biggest of all. 

What other preparations has Qatar done? 

Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world due to its export of oil and gas. Its total population stands at around 2.9 million. Around 1.5 million people are estimated to attend the finals. To be able to offer sufficient space and comfortable living to the guests, the Qatar administration has also built 100 new hotels and a new metro. New roads are also being constructed. 

Which teams are playing at the World Cup? 

Qualifications for the World Cup 2022 began three years ago. Participating teams belonging to different continents played in groups. A total of 32 teams have been qualified. Listed below are the qualified teams: 

What are some of the limitations that come along with enjoying a football World Cup match in Qatar?

Fans will have to be extremely careful and mindful of their behaviour and actions as Qatar is a conservative country. The country has in place and implements strict laws to ensure proper public behaviour is maintained. Example: Swearing or making rude gestures in public places can land you in legal trouble. Further, there are also strict restrictions on the consumption of alcohol. One can purchase alcohol normally only in bars in luxury hotels. The organisers of the tournament, however, have said that alcohol may be sold in pre-decided fan zones during the matches. It is also important for football fans planning to visit Qatar to enjoy a few matches to know that homosexual acts are illegal in the country. The World Cup’s organisers have strictly said that although all are welcome in the country, Qatar will not relax its stringent laws on homosexuality during the tournament. 

All the matches will be played across eight stadiums in Qatar.