Seasons are changing, time is marching on. And we’re focused on all the soccer action coming our way in the form of the World Cup Qatar.
But do you know everything you need to know about the upcoming soccer tournament? Well, don’t stress. We’re here to tell you all about it.
The World Cup Qatar is the 22nd edition of the World Cup
There have been 21 other iterations of the FIFA World Cup, all leading up to this one…
1. This is the first World Cup in the Arab world
World Cup Qatar makes history by being the first one ever to be held in the Arab world. That means whatever happens on the pitch, it’ll be a historic event.
2. And it’s the second entirely Asian World Cup
Incredibly, this is only the second World Cup to be hosted 100% in Asia. What was the first? Cast your mind back to 2002, with the famous South Korea and Japan world cup.
3. World Cup Qatar is the first winter World Cup
Traditionally, the World Cup is held in the global north’s summer. Typically, the games take place in May, June and/or July. However, the temperatures in Qatar soar during those months. And for that reason, World Cup Qatar is taking place in the global north’s winter…
4. The action starts on 20 November…
Speaking of this wintery world cup, it’s high time we told you when the action starts!
5. …And ends on 18 December
Wrapping up just in time for much of the world’s winter festivities. If you’re a World Cup buff, you might notice that this is actually a little shorter than many world cups. The action is condensed into just 29 days.
6. That’s also Qatar’s national day
And with that, the Qatar World Cup will finish up on Qatar’s national day. That’s a commemoration of the unification of Qatar, way back in 1878.
7. These dates are forcing national leagues to take a little break
All over the world, soccer leagues have tournaments in these months. But, of course, the Qatar World Cup takes precedence. So tournaments like England’s 2022/23 Premier League will have to fall in line and take a break while the World Cup action gets underway.
8. For the last time ever, 32 teams will take part
Amazingly, this World Cup Qatar is the last one where just 32 teams will take part. In 2026, it’ll be 48 teams in that World Cup and those to come.
9. 211 countries were eligible to compete
But of course, they had to qualify. Only one country got away without competing for a spot, and that’s Qatar, the hosts.
10. And those 32 teams competing in World Cup Qatar are…
Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Morocco, Ghana, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Cameroon, Poland, Tunisia, Netherlands, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, France, England, Mexico, United States, Denmark, Croatia, Belgium, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Wales, Portugal, Switzerland, Serbia and Spain.
11. Canada and Wales return after long absences
These two countries are back in the competition after decades-long waits. For Canada, they haven’t been in a World Cup since 1986. Meanwhile, Wales last appeared in 1958.
12. You can already bet on the Qatar World Cup online
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