The date for the next world cup in Qatar has been moved up by a day, which marks it (at the time of writing this article)less than 100 days away from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Let’s see how much news and notes we can include into 20 points in a not-too-wordy article. As far away as it may sound, 100 days is just around the corner.
Considered the special edition of the tournament, this time will be the last of the format the world cup will follow, ahead of big changes by 2026. Be ahead of the pack and check out what Acca offers in betting odds. In celebration of the world cup, let’s count down the days with 20 things you need to know about the FIFA World Cup in Qatar this year.
- Basic information
32 teams will be competing for the world cup trophy, which takes place every four years. There are talks that it may be moved to every second year.
- It’s the first time the Middle East has hosted the FIFA World Cup
Qatar won the bid in 2020 over the USA, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Voting rights were suspended for 2 FIFA Executive Committee members as they were suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for votes.
- First World Cup to be played during winter
This is to avoid the scorching summer in Qatar so that players can play in healthier conditions.
- Qatar swims in controversy.
From ex-players and the LGBTQIA supporters boycotting the whole event to Amnesty International and other human rights groups demanding that migrant workers be compensated with $440 million, all eyes are on the country.
- Who doesn’t need a visa to visit Qatar?
Americans arriving with U.S tourist passports do not need visas to enter the country. They will be given a free visa waiver upon arrival.
- Will there be alcohol served during the World Cup?
Stadiums will not sell alcohol during matches; fans will have off-site areas to drink alcohol. Being drunk in public in Qatar is illegal, and it carries a hefty fine.
- Which team has won the World Cup the most?
Brazil, with 5 FIFA World Cup titles under its belt, is set to be one of the favourites for lifting the silverware this year.
- What is the new tournament start date?
The FIFA World Cup 2022 will officially begin on November 20, 2022.
- Is there a host already picked out for the 2030 World Cup?
No, the next host will be chosen in 2024 at the next (74th) FIFA Congress.
- Where will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be held?
The next World Cup after the 2022 World Cup will be played in America, Canada and Mexico.
- When is the following women’s World Cup?
The next women’s World Cup will be played in 2023 in Australia and Canada. The dates are yet to be confirmed.
- On which date is the final set to play?
The final will be played in December. 18.
- When does the group stage finish?
The group stage is set to conclude on Dec. 02.
- How many teams are allowed to advance past the group stage?
16 teams are allowed to advance past the group stage.
- What changes are there in teams ahead of the World Cup?
We should look out for new managers for Morocco and Iran as both teams have gotten rid of theirs.
- Which country has made it into every World Cup?
Brazil has qualified for every FIFA World Cup.
- Are the stadiums far apart?
No, they are close enough for convenience.
- Which player should we look out for, and from which country?
Heung-Min Son from South Korea is the best player and has been setting the entire world ablaze with his skills.
- Russia is banned from participating in the FIFA 2022 World Cup
Following their attack in Ukraine, Russia has been banned from playing in the World Cup. Clubs from the country have also been given the boot from the UEFA Championship League.
Concluding our list at number 20 is the official song of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, performed by Davido, Aisha and Trinidad Cardona, called “Hayya Hayya”, which translated means “Better Together”. Let’s see if all the groups boycotting the country will sing along to that tune.