Photo by Fauzan Saari (Unsplash)
Cover Photo by Fauzan Saari (Unsplash)

What you need to know and take note of about the highly anticipated international football tournament happening in Qatar

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is a governing body founded in 1904 which is committed to the growth of football as an international sport and acts as an advocate for integrity and fair play. Organised by FIFA, the FIFA World Cup is a professional football tournament that happens every four years in a host country. It is a much-awaited competition between national teams playing for their love of the game and for fans to cheer on their favourite players.

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After the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, the first cup to be held in Eastern Europe with France as the winner, this year commences the men’s 22nd FIFA World Cup. Whether you’re an avid football fan, sports enthusiast, or just someone who tunes in the quadrennial event—we’ve got you covered on all the details.

When is the World Cup 2022?

The 2022 World Cup started last November 20 and will end on December 18 with a total of 64 games to be played over five rounds: the group stage, 16 rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals and the final. The group stage will play out until December 2, followed by the 16 games from December 3 to 6. Quarterfinals are on December 9 to 10, the semifinals consisting of two matches on December 13 and December 14, and the thrilling final match on the last day, December 18.

Tatler Trivia: Previous World Cups were usually played in June and July but due to the location’s intense summer setting, it is the first time to be played during the months of November and December.

Where is the World Cup 2022?

As many have already known, the host country is decided through a bidding procedure and registration of interested nationals. With a majority of 12 votes, Qatar won the 2022 World Cup host title. The matches will take place within the country’s capital city of Doha and surrounding cities Al Khor, Lusail, Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan. The opening ceremony was at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor and the closing ceremony will be at Lusail stadium.

Tatler Trivia: It is also the first time that the World Cup will be played in an Arab country. Qatar meticulously prepared and specifically completed the construction of its stadiums for the games.

Tatler Asia
Doha, Qatar (Photo by Visit Qatar/Unsplash)
Above Doha, Qatar (Photo by Visit Qatar/Unsplash)

What awaits the winners of the 2022 World Cup?

FIFA made announcements last April on what’s in store for the participating nations. One is about the prize money and the other is about the rule change. For this year, the prize pool is USD 40 million greater than the previous tournament with a whopping USD 440 million in total. And for the competition feature, new substitution rules will be applied. The teams can make five substitutions in normal time and an additional one in extra time.

One last fun fact! It is indeed a football event of firsts. With the World Cup continuously making its mark in sports history, it will also be the first time the cup will permit concussion substitutions that wouldn’t count towards the number of regular substitutions.

Who qualified for the 2022 World Cup?

There are 32 qualified teams representing the divisions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North/Central America & Caribbean, Oceania and South America. Assembled (from Groups A to H) into eight draws, you can cheer for your country and support your respective teams in the World Cup participants and their designated placements: (A) Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands (B) England, Iran, United States, Wales (C) Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland (D) France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia (E) Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan (F) Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia (G) Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon (H) Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

Matches for Groups A, B, E and F are allocated to stadiums Al Bayt, Khalifa International, Al Thumama and Ahmad bin Ali. While Groups C, D, G and H match to stadiums Lusail Iconic, Stadium 974, Education City and Al Janoub.

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