FIFA World Cup Kicks off Tomorrow, the Fun Begins

The world’s biggest football event, FIFA World Cup 2022, kicks off tomorrow in Qatar. This is the 22nd edition of the most popular and prestigious team sporting event.

The gala sporting extravaganza is being held in the backdrop of a lot of complaints, concerns and controversies. Hosts Qatar will take on Ecuador on November 20, in the first of 64 matches to be played over 28 exhilarating days. The first match will be played at Doha’s Al Bayt stadium. Prominent teams this year are hosts Qatar, holders France and five-time winners Brazil.

Budgeted at 300 billion dollars, the 29-day event with 32 participating countries is supposed to be the most expensive in the World Cup’s 92-year old history.

The event has a few of firsts. This is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that the event is being held in winter. Another first is the moveable stadium – Stadium 974 that has been built from shipping containers and can be transported from one place to another.

The matches will be held in 8 stadiums across Doha, capital of Qatar.

1. Al Bayt Stadium: The Al Bayt Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 seats, is located in the city of Al Khor, about 35km north of Doha and will host the opening match of the tournament. The arena’s upper tier was designed to be removed after the tournament, allowing the recommissioning of seats.
2. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats and is located in Umm Al Afaei, 20km west of central Doha, eight on the edge of the desert.
3. Al Janoub Stadium: The Al Janoub Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats and is located in Al Wakrah, one of Qatar’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, 22km south of central Doha.
4. Al Thumama Stadium: The Al Thumama Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats and is located in Al Thumama Stadium, 12km south of central Doha.
5. Education City Stadium: The Education City Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats and is located in Al Rayyan, a learning and knowledge centre, 7km north-west of central Doha.
6. Khalifa International Stadium: The Khalifa International Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats and is located in Aspire, 5km west of central Doha.
7. Stadium 974: Stadium 974 has a capacity of 40,000 seats and is located in Ras Abu Aboud, 10km east of central Doha.
8. Lusail Stadium: Last but not least, Qatar’s biggest stadium, Lusail, with a capacity of 80,000 people and 20km north of central Doha will host the tournament’s final on 18 December.