FIFA 2022 will starts on November 20 in Qatar, the tournament will take place in November and December for the first time in the history of 92 years rather than the middle of the year.
Qatar has spent a whopping $300 billion in tournament preparation. Not only that It has been dogged by many controversies from the start whether It is something related to construction worker conditions, or the availability of alcohol in particular. Finally, sales of beer have been permitted in the stadium by authorities
So let’s discuss some points why this World cup is in news apart from tournament match’s ups and down
First World Cup held in the Arab World and during Northern Autumn
The first ever FIFA world cup in Asia was held in 2002 in Japan and South Korea jointly. This is the only second world cup that is taking place in Asia and the first in the Arab countries.
Every world cup prior to 2022 is held in May, June, or July. This year world cup is taking place in November -December reason is quite obvious to avoid the intense heat of May and June in the middle east
No 32 teams tournament and compact World Cup ever
In the first-ever World cup that took place in 1930, only 13 teams took part in the event. In the 1934 world cup, this increased to 16, expanding to 24 teams in 1988, the current format was implemented in 1998. The 2026 world cup will be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada jointly and will have 48 teams.
As Qatar is one of the smallest Arab countries, being Capital city Doha is a central point, and all the stadiums are in close proximity of 55 Kms, which adds to benefits to the team and fans, they need not have to fly for every match as in other tournament and this will also save fuel and adds benefits like less pollution
A carbon-neutral World Cup
As per media reports, FIFA World Cup 2022 is the most ever carbon neutral world cup, This involves energy solutions, energy, and water -efficient stadium, using recycled material, and reducing greenhouse gas, Qatar is also focusing on processes like -awareness, measurements, reductions, and offsetting
Most expensive FIFA World Cup
As per some media reports Qatar has spent more than $250 billion .out of which $10 billion was spent on stadiums, and the rest was spent on other support infrastructures like making hotels, Doha metro, Airport expansions, and beautification of the cities.
The smallest country to host FIFA World Cup
With a land area of 11,571 square meters, and a population of 2.985 million (as of September 2022), Qatar is the smallest host country on record. and one reason why all their stadiums are spread is in a radius of 55 km.
The youngest and Oldest players in the tournament
The youngest player at the World cup in Qatar is Youssoufa Moukoko from Germany. He has a strong record in Bundesliga in 2022, helping Borussia Dortmund with 3 assists and 6 goals
Dani Alves (39) and Thiago Silva (38).However, Mexico goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera from Mexico holds the title of the oldest player in the FIFA world cup 2022. Apart from this all-time known footballers like Lionel Messi(35), and Cristiano Ronaldo(37) also make their place in the oldest player list
Any ticket left for the FIFA World Cup 2022?
As per a report from FIFA, by mid-October, all the tickets has been sold ( close to 2 million). Last-minute purchases began on September 27 and will continue till December 18. Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis. You can still buy tickets but be ready to pay a fortune. Beings a small country Qatar it’s very challenging for Qatar to make accommodations for all audiences, So fans residing outside this tiny gulf country can travel to Doha from significant middle eastern cities like Kuwait city, Muscat, Riyadh, and other Saudi Arabian cities. Nearly 100 flights will depart from many middle eastern cities on daily basis.
Conclusion: Qatar did not have it easy in its bid to host the FIFA World Cup of 2022, which primarily consists of western countries. Stadiums have always been controversial since they first appeared. The living conditions for construction workers, the alcohol ban, or when the game is being played. Even though Qatar has made limelight in positive node whether it is related to the construction of an Eco friendly and innovative stadium, or the tag of a Carbon-neutral tournament.
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