Qatar hosted football’s greatest showpiece in 2022 – a spectacular event that critics call one of the greatest ever in the history of football.
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“The best World Cup ever!”
Qatar staged the “best ever” FIFA World Cup™ from 20 November to 18 December 2022, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Praised for its “unique, cohesive power”, he emphasised the “transformative legacy” of the beautiful game, giving visitors an unforgettable taste of the Arab world.
It was an event that will be remembered long after the final whistle: the joyful atmosphere, breath-taking stadiums and a nation welcoming the world with our signature hospitality. Read on how we sparked the passion of millions around the world.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD CUP
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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in the Middle East
A first for the Arab and Muslim world and the second in Asia after South Korea and Japan.
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+3.4 million in attendance
Top nationalities who filled the seats: Saudi Arabia, India, USA, UK and Mexico.
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17.4 million fans in transit
Total number of travellers who used the Doha Metro (between 20 Nov & 18 Dec).
The Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022™ stadiums
Our eight stadiums won praise for their sustainable design, innovative construction, and excellent management – plus for keeping spectators on the edge of their seats in supreme comfort. Standout features included retractable roofs, impressive cooling technologies and the first fully demountable FIFA World Cup™ stadium.
The lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
The positive effects of the 2022 Men’s 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, with efficient cooling and ventilation systems, LED lighting and state-of-the-art building control systems.
More than 850,000m2 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.
La’eeb, the official mascot
Resembling the gutra, a cloth headdress worn in Qatar, the lovable flying, talking La’eeb shared the magic of the mascotverse with fans.
Japanese fans clean the stadium
Japanese fans won over social media when they left the stadium spotless after Japan's 2-1 win against Germany.
Fans fall in love with the Souq
Our ever-popular Souq Waqif became a hub of football activity: a place where all the sports fans in attendance could embrace the love of sport together.
Metro this way
Abubakr Abbass from Kenya became a fan favourite for showing tourists the way to the station from his tennis umpire chair.
Celebrities spotted
A-list celebs and sporting royalty like David Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Elon Musk and Usain Bolt also shared in the football excitement.
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.
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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?
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.
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.
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.
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Golden Ball winner
Lionel Messi won Golden Ball for best player.
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Golden Boot winner
Kylian Mbappe pipped Lionel Messi as top goal-scorer.
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Golden Glove winner
Argentina’s Martinez took home the award for best goalkeeper.
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.
Things to know before travelling
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Visas
Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here.
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Getting here
Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here.
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Travel tips
Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide.
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Getting around
From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar.
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