With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will be looking forward to the festive season. However, for the football fanatics, you will know there is one important event that’s taking place before Father Christmas arrives – the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Unlike past tournaments, this one will certainly be unique as it’s the last to feature the current format ahead of huge changes come 2026.
As we count down the days till the tournament kicks off, here are some important things you need to know about the WC and how to prepare for all the excitement and festivities that go hand in hand.
Where is it being held?
The World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar between 20 November and 18 December 2022. This will be the first World Cup to ever be housed in the Arab world. Qatar is located on the Gulf peninsula and is known as one of the richest countries on the planet. The majority of the games will be played in the capital city of Doha.
Why is it taking place in November and December?
Normally scheduled to take place between June and July, the 2022 World Cup was moved to Qatar’s winter season. This is because of extreme heat throughout the summer, where temperatures can regularly exceed 40 degrees celsius. Because of this, some of the globe’s top leagues will be put on hold for the event.
How can I watch from home?
The great news for fans all over the world is you don’t have to be in Qatar to watch all the action. Just like with any World Cup, football fanatics can keep up to date with the latest goings on from the comfort of their own home. Football fans in the UK can watch every match of the World Cup for free. The tournament will be evenly split across the BBC and ITV. Just make sure you know the fixtures inside out to avoid disappointment.
Who are the favourites?
Brazil are most people’s favourites, followed by Argentina, defending champions France and European finalists England. There are some pretty tasty odds on the Three Lions going all the way-just make sure you pick the most reliable gambling sites for this before going ahead with your punt on Gareth Southgate’s men.
Which teams are taking part?
There will be 32 teams who will take part in the tournament. They will battle it out in groups of 4 for the first 12 days. The top 2 from each of the 8 groups will go through to the knockout rounds. The groups are as follows:
Group A: Netherlands, Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal
Group B: England, Wales, Iran, USA
Group C: Poland, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Argentina
Group D: Denmark, France, Australia, Tunisia
Group E: Japan, Germany, Spain, Costa Rica
Group F: Croatia, Belgium, Canada, Morocco
Group G: Serbia, Switzerland, Brazil, Cameroon
Group H: Ghana, Portugal, South Korea, Uruguay
Which stadiums will host games?
There will be 8 stadiums across Qatar that will host games during the 2022 World Cup. These include the Khalifa International Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, and Education City Stadium. If you have tickets for any games, it’s important to map out where the stadiums are in the country so you can figure out how to get from A to B.
Are tickets Still available?
Yes. Limited tickets for the Cup are still available to purchase for fans through the governing body’s ticket portal. They have prepared to keep selling tickets right up until the tournament kicks off. Tickets may still be available to buy up until the close of the World Cup too (18 December 2022). Understandably, the longer you leave putting off getting tickets, the less chance you have of securing any for a match.
Where Is everyone staying?
It’s estimated that over 1 million fans from all over the world are planning to descend on Qatar for the Cup. In March, organisers launched an online accommodation portal. This scheme prioritised match ticket holders to find suitable accommodation for their stay. Hotel rooms, apartments, villas, desert camping, and fan villages have been made available. However, fans can stay in neighbouring countries and fly in for games or drive to the Saudi-Qatar border. Alternatively, fans can use a free bus service to get to Doha.
What are the rules for fans?
As mentioned before, the World Cup is taking place in the Middle East. Because of this, certain rules are in place which fans must strictly adhere to. The most important of them is not being drunk and disorderly in public. Alcohol will be available in hotel bars and selected fan zones. Permanent Qatari residents who have a special permit from their employer can make purchases from one of the two liquor stores in the country.
Who is providing security?
Qatar’s regular police and security services are drawn from several nations, like with most of the population. In addition, Turkey’s interior minister has stated that the country would send thousands of security officers to Qatar for the World Cup. Pakistan is also believed to send troops to provide security. South Korea is also said to be sending specialists to help assist Qatari military police.
As the Cup edges closer and closer, the excitement and adrenaline build-up is getting higher and higher. Whether you’ve managed to snag tickets for a match or you’re watching games from the comfort of your own home, the excitement levels will be pretty high.
Whoever you’re rooting for, having a good understanding of how the tournament will work will mean you won’t miss any of the action. Although the event will work slightly differently, especially when we look into Qatari laws and rules, one can expect plenty of world-class football and fun-filled entertainment that will keep you on the edge of your seat!