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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Qatar hosted football’s greatest showpiece in 2022 – a spectacular event that critics and sport lovers alike call one of the greatest in the history of football.

“The best World Cup ever!”

Qatar staged the “best ever” FIFA World Cup™ from 20 November to 18 December 2022, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Praised for its “unique, cohesive power”, he emphasised the “transformative legacy” of the beautiful game.

The event gave visitors an unforgettable taste of the Arab world with a joyful atmosphere, breath-taking stadiums, and our nation welcoming the world with our signature hospitality.

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THE LASTING LEGACY OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022™

The positive effects of the men’s 2022 FIFA World Cup™ will be enjoyed for decades, with huge investments in infrastructure, transport, tourism, and the sports industry. Seven brand-new stadiums were built (and one renovated), using 40% less water than international benchmarks. Stadiums are also 30% more energy efficient than international standards (ASHRAE 90.1), with efficient cooling and ventilation systems, LED lighting and state-of-the-art building control systems.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever

More than 850,000 m2 of new green space was created – the equivalent of 121 full-sized football pitches. Countries that require sporting infrastructure will receive seats, and facilities will be reused as hospitals, schools, places of worship and hotels.

The most exciting moments of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

The tournament had plenty of viral moments that warmed hearts and set the internet ablaze.

A World Cup™ filled with great surprises

A fantastic end to an epic tournament between the two top sides – possibly the best football World Cup™ final of all time.

Messi leads Argentina to glory and confirms his greatness

After a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium, Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties and Messi finally fulfilled a career dream to lift the coveted world cup trophy – GOAT debate over?

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever

Argentina and France as semi-final champs 

Who will ever forget the elation of Morocco reaching the semi-finals – the first ever African country to do so, before a heart-breaking elimination by France? Argentina faced off against Croatia, with Messi scoring one and Alvarez two goals to reach the finals.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever

Morocco makes history and France kills the English dream

Morocco continued their fabled run with a courageous 1-0 victory over Portugal, while Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties. France eliminated England with a 2-1 win, while Argentina sent the Netherlands home after a 4-3 shootout win.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever

Exhilarating moments and unforgettable surprises 

Qatar made history by taking part in the World Cup™ for the first time. The biggest shock of the tournament came when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in one of the greatest men’s World Cup™ upsets of all time. Germany's 2-1 loss against Japan also sent shockwaves around the country.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever

New Doha hotels and restaurants that stole the show

You can still stay at the stylish floating hotels, sprawling resorts and luxurious 5-star hotels that opened in time for Qatar’s greatest ever sporting event, and dine at exciting new restaurants serving flavours from around the world.

Any questions about the FIFA World Cup™?

The United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2026. It will run from 8 June 2026 until 3 July 2026.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) have proposed that the next AFC Asian Cup be postponed until January 2024.

Al Janoub, Al Thumama and Education City’s seating will be reduced and donated to other sporting projects worldwide. Lusail will be converted into a unique community hub of schools, housing, shops, cafes and health clinics. Stadium 974 will be completely dismantled, and materials will be repurposed. Al Bayt will become the home of Al Khor Sports Club, while Khalifa will be the home stadium of Qatar’s national team (Al Annabi). Ahmad Bin Ali will also reduce its seating capacity and will be available for football development projects.

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is one of the world’s most innovative sports museums, with a gallery dedicated to Qatar’s role as a hosting nation (including the Qatar FIFA World Cup™).

Qatar is a passionate sporting nation, ranging from one of the oldest sports known to man (falconry) to international spectacles like the Olympic Games and Formula One. Take a look at our Qatar calendar for upcoming events and read more about sports culture in Qatar here.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | The best world cup ever