The 2018 FIFA World Cup just wrapped up with the most heart-stopping finale, but what’s in store for us in 2022? Let’s find out.
The final whistle was blown and the stadium shook and erupted with loud cheers and disappointed groans. Amidst it all – the verdict was absolute. Team France has been crowned as champions for the second time in FIFA World Cup history. After a thrilling finale, team Les Bleus cinched a convincing score of 4-1 over Croatia. And that was that. The most exciting tournament in football history drew to a close. And as usual, we are left wanting for more. It will be another four long years until we are blessed with the next round of games. Ah, the torture.
Don’t fret. Plans are already well underway and Qatar has officially won the bid to host the next World Cup. Dates have been set, arenas are being built, and tickets will probably start selling in the next years. Are you itching to know more about the next games? Here’s everything we know so far about the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Where Will It Happen?
It’s official. Qatar will play host to one of football’s showpiece events. The 22nd edition of FIFA World Cup games will be held in the Middle East for the first time ever in history. Qatar successfully claimed the privilege after fighting for the bid with countries like Australia, South Korea, and Japan. This bold choice will be a stunning change of scenery for FIFA’s flagship event. This will also be the first time that the tournament is being held in an Arab and Muslim-majority country.
Qatar’s desert country of around 2.6 million inhabitants lies as a peninsula in the Persian Gulf. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Iran on the other side of the water. Its highest football league is the Qatar Stars League. Additionally, its highest ever FIFA ranking was at a 51st place back in 1993.
The games will be happening at the newly-built Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
When Will It Happen?
Ever since the announcement came, people have been speculating about which time of the year the games will be held. Usually, the World Cup season happens during the months of May, June, or July. However, due to the searing desert temperatures in the Middle East During this time, it won’t be possible to do so. The 2022 World Cup will be breaking its summer tradition and will instead be held during the winter.
FIFA confirmed the final winter dates for the 22nd edition of the World Cup in an announcement last July 13. FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the games will begin from November 21 to December 18, ending just a week before Christmas.
It remains to be seen how this will affect club seasons throughout the world. However, we expect that Europe and South America will probably split their seasons up. For now, it seems like Premier League managers will finally have the mid-season break they’ve been hoping for. Domestic leagues could start a little earlier as a result.
More Than 32 Teams?
There has also been some talk at the possibility that the 2022 World Cup will feature more than its normal 32 teams. According to Infantino,
“We will decide whether it’s 48 or 32 teams in the next few months. We must have discussions with the Qataris and then if there is a possibility with the Fifa Council and stakeholders. Then we will decide calmly and quietly what the decision is. For now, it’s a World Cup with 32 teams but everybody is open-minded and we will have a frank and open debate.”
This speculation comes with the announcement to hold the games in Qatar since this could mean a possible inclusion of playing games in other Persian Gulf states. Although the chances of this are rather slim due to the current trade and border blockade between the country and its neighbors.
Controversies
Although the confirmation of the 2022 World Cup seems to be well in place, the road towards it has been badgered by controversies left and right. It’s no news that fans, clubs, and professional leagues have not been shy about expressing their protest against the unpopular move. When Fifa’s announcement came, it was met with shaking heads and people debating the repercussions of playing in a country that has very strict views about same-sex marriage and other social issues.
But wait. There’s more. We can’t ignore the early talks about corruption. Let us not forget about the FBI investigations by American and Swiss authorities that led to the resignation of former Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
Qatar is also suffering from criticism for its treatment of over 1.6 million migrant workers constructing the stadiums and other infrastructures for the World Cup. The heat is also another issue. However, the Khalifa International Stadium is in the process of completing its cooling systems to remedy this.
How Can I Get Tickets?
Of course, you wouldn’t be reading this blog if you aren’t interested in purchasing tickets for the next Fifa World Cup. Unfortunately, you have to have a little patience. Tickets are not yet for sale. In fact, they will probably not go on sale until 2021 at the earliest. Even the tickets for the 2018 World Cup weren’t available until September of last year. So it is best to stay tuned.
If you are, however, serious about watching the games live, you are advised to book airplane tickets as two years before the dates. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker insists that other airlines will exploit flight seat shortage in anticipation of the coming World Cup.
There you have it! Now you can fully prepare and anticipate another main event in football history. Stay tuned for more news about the most exciting tournament in the sports arena!
