FIFA World Cup Kicks off Today in Qatar

FIFA football World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments held every 4 years. The 22nd edition starts in Qatar today

FIFA World Cup 2022, one of the most awaited sporting events across the globe, will kick off tonight at the Al Bayt Stadium. Host country Qatar will take on Ecuador in the opening match.

The build up to this world cup has been marred with controversies of human rights violations, paid supporters programme, strict regulations for visitors, from liquor to clothing, media restriction besides others.

However, despite the controversies, the world is ready for the football spectacle. After 4 long years, the FIFA World Cup returns with Qatar hosting the event for the very first time.

Considered the biggest sporting event, even bigger that the Olympics, football fever has ravaged the world with more than five billion people worldwide expected to tune in to watch the spectacle and more than a million turning up to watch the matches in person.

Brazil and Argentina are amongst the favorites with their respective national players representing top European football clubs. What makes this world cup even more intoxicating is the fact that this might be the last world cup for the 2 ‘GOATS’ or ‘greatest of all times’, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

More on the lookout is Neymar with Brazil boasting of an incredibly talented team and seems best-placed to end a 20-year trophy drought while defending champion France will look to draw on its squad depth to overcome the loss of key personnel in Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
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.

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.

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