Qatar marks two years to FIFA World Cup 2022 kick-off

There are just two years to go until the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Qatar on November 21 2022 with the country promising football fans a "unique experience."

Khalifa International Stadium in Doha

Fireworks mark the opening of the Khalifa International Stadium, the first to be completed ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar Source: Getty Images

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It will be the first time the tournament is held in the Middle East with Qatar the first Arab majority country to host the event 

Celebrations are set to take place on Saturday to mark the countdown to the event with a statement from Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy proclaiming the 2022 World Cup to be like no other.

"Among the many distinctive features, travelling fans will have the opportunity to potentially attend more than one match a day during the group stage, which will feature an exciting schedule with four daily fixtures, as announced earlier this year,” the statement read.

Preparations for the tournament are on track with FIFA President Gianni Infantino praising Qatar's commitment to the World Cup despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 this year.
2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar - Previews
“Despite the difficulties, steady progress was made in the last few months, showing yet again Qatar’s strong and continued commitment – under the leadership of the emir, whom I personally thank – to hosting an unforgettable FIFA World Cup in two years’ time, which will no doubt build a legacy long beyond 2022,” Infantino said

According to Qatar's organising committee, the country has completed 90 per cent of the infrastructure for the event with the remaining works expected to be finished next year.

Of the eight stadiums which will host games, three have been completed, three are in the final stages of construction and the remaining two will be finished in 2021. 

The first game of the tournament will take place at the Al Bayt Stadium, which will have a capacity of 60,000 people and is designed to resemble a traditional tent used in the Arab world.
Al Bayt Stadium - FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019
Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the SC, said it was an incredibly important World Cup – “for Qatar, the region and the world”.

"Qatar 2022 will introduce billions of people to the Middle East and Arab world for the first time, and help to foster a greater understanding and break down stereotypes that people may have of our country and region.”


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2 min read
Published 21 November 2020 4:42pm
Updated 23 September 2022 11:30pm
Source: SBS The World Game


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