Futbol World Cup 2022: Everything You Need to Know
The Futbol World Cup is the biggest and most prestigious event in the world of sports. It is a celebration of passion, talent, diversity, and unity. Every four years, millions of fans from all over the globe tune in to watch their favorite teams compete for glory and honor. The next edition of this spectacular tournament will be held in Qatar, a small but rich country in the Middle East, from November 20 to December 18, 2022. It will be the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world, and the second in Asia after South Korea and Japan in 2002. It will also be the first World Cup to be held in winter, due to the hot climate of Qatar in summer.
If you are a futbol fan, or just curious about this amazing event, you might have many questions about it. How many teams will participate and how were they selected? Which teams are in each group and what are their chances of advancing? What are the dates and times of the matches and where can I watch them? How many stadiums will host the matches and what are their features? How can I get tickets and travel to Qatar? What are the best places to stay and visit in Qatar during the World Cup?
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will give you a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the Futbol World Cup 2022. We will cover the teams and groups, the schedule and fixtures, the stadiums and venues, the tickets and travel, and much more. By reading this article, you will be well-informed and prepared to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, let’s get started!
Teams and Groups
The Futbol World Cup is a competition between national teams that represent their countries. Each team consists of 26 players, including three goalkeepers. The teams must submit their final squads to FIFA by November 14, 2022.
To qualify for the World Cup, each team must go through a qualification process that varies depending on their continental confederation. There are five confederations: Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), Europe (UEFA), North and Central America (CONCACAF), South America (CONMEBOL), and Oceania (OFC). Each confederation has its own format and criteria for selecting its representatives.
For the 2022 edition, there are 32 teams that qualified for the World Cup. Qatar automatically qualified as the host country, while the other 31 teams earned their spots through their confederations. The distribution of slots per confederation is as follows:
- Africa (CAF): 5 teams
- Asia (AFC): 4 or 5 teams
- Europe (UEFA): 13 teams
- North and Central America (CONCACAF): 3 or 4 teams
- South America (CONMEBOL): 4 or 5 teams
- Oceania (OFC): 0 or 1 team
The reason why some confederations have a range of slots is because there are two intercontinental play-offs that will determine the final two spots. The play-offs will involve four teams from four different confederations: AFC, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC. The draw for the play-offs will take place on April 1, 2022, and the matches will be played on June 13 and 14, 2022.
Once the 32 teams are confirmed, they will be divided into eight groups of four teams each. The draw for the group stage will take place on April 27, 2022, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. The draw will follow a seeding system based on the FIFA World Ranking as of April 2022. The host country Qatar will be automatically placed in Group A as the top seed. The other seven top seeds will be placed in Groups B to H. The remaining 24 teams will be drawn from three pots according to their ranking and geographical criteria.
The groups for the World Cup 2022 are as follows:
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Qatar (Host) | Brazil (CONMEBOL) | France (UEFA) | Belgium (UEFA) | Spain (UEFA) | Argentina (CONMEBOL) | Germany (UEFA) | Italy (UEFA) |
Australia (AFC) | Mexico (CONCACAF) | Nigeria (CAF) | Croatia (UEFA) | Colombia (CONMEBOL) | England (UEFA) | Egypt (CAF) | Portugal (UEFA) |
Iran (AFC) | Switzerland (UEFA) | Demark (UEFA) | Saudi Arabia (AFC) | Ghana (CAF) | Korea Republic (AFC) | Netherlands (UEFA) | Morocco (CAF) |
New Zealand (OFC/AFC play-off winner) | Cameroon (CAF)</td | Costa Rica (CONCACAF)</td | Russia (UEFA)</td | Jamaica (CONCACAF/CONMEBOL play-off winner)</td | Japan (AFC) | Serbia (UEFA)</td | USA (CONCACAF) |
The group stage will start on November 20, 2022, and end on December 12, 2022. Each team will play three matches against the other teams in their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, while the bottom two teams will be eliminated.
The round of 16 will start on December 14, 2022, and end on December 17, 2022. It will feature eight matches between the winners and runners-up of each group. The winners of these matches will advance to the quarter-finals, while the losers will be eliminated.
The quarter-finals will start on December 19, 2022, and end on December 20, 2022. It will feature four matches between the winners of the round of 16. The winners of these matches will advance to the semi-finals, while the losers will be eliminated.
The semi-finals will start on December 22, 2022, and end on December 23, 2022. It will feature two matches between the winners of the quarter-finals. The winners of these matches will advance to the final, while the losers will play for the third place.
The third place match will take place on December 26, 2022. It will feature the two teams that lost in the semi-finals. The winner of this match will finish third in the tournament, while the loser will finish fourth.
The final will take place on December 18, 2022. It will feature the two teams that won in the semi-finals. The winner of this match will be crowned as the champion of the World Cup, while the loser will finish second.
Schedule and Fixtures
The Futbol World Cup 2022 will feature a total of 64 matches, including 48 in the group stage, 8 in the round of 16, 4 in the quarter-finals, 2 in the semi-finals, 1 in the third place match, and 1 in the final. The matches will be played in six different time slots: 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00, and 01:00 (local time). The opening match will be played at 13:00 on November 20, 2022, while the final will be played at 18:00 on December 18, 2022.
The matches will be broadcasted live by various media outlets around the world. The official broadcaster of the World Cup is FIFA TV, which will provide live coverage and highlights of all the matches on its website and mobile app. FIFA TV will also offer a range of additional content, such as interviews, documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive features. Other broadcasters that have secured the rights to air the World Cup include BBC and ITV (United Kingdom), ARD and ZDF (Germany), TF1 and M6 (France), RAI and Mediaset (Italy), Globo and Band (Brazil), Telemundo and Univision (USA), Sony Pictures Networks (India), beIN Sports (Middle East and North Africa), and many more.
The matches will also be available to watch online through various streaming platforms, such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, Peacock Premium, Paramount Plus, ESPN Plus, DAZN, Fanatiz, and many more. However, some of these platforms may require a subscription fee or a VPN service to access them.
The most anticipated matches and rivalries of the World Cup include:
- Qatar vs Australia (Group A): The host country will face a tough challenge from the Asian champions in their opening match.
- Brazil vs Mexico (Group B): The two Latin American giants will renew their rivalry in a clash of styles and cultures.
- France vs Nigeria (Group C): The reigning world champions will face a talented and unpredictable African side in a rematch of the 2014 round of 16.
- Belgium vs Croatia (Group D): The two European powerhouses will battle for supremacy in a group that also features Russia and Saudi Arabia.
- Spain vs Colombia (Group E): The former world champions will face a formidable opponent in a group that also features Ghana and Jamaica.
- Argentina vs England (Group F): The two historic rivals will meet again in a group that also features Japan and Korea Republic.
- Germany vs Netherlands (Group G): The two neighbors and arch-rivals will clash in a group that also features Egypt and Serbia.
- Italy vs Portugal (Group H): The two European champions will face off in a group that also features Morocco and USA.
Stadiums and Venues
The Futbol World Cup 2022 will be held in eight stadiums across five cities in Qatar. These stadiums are:
Stadium | City | Capacity | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Lusail Stadium | Lusail | 80,000 | The main stadium of the World Cup, which will host the opening match and the final. It is designed to resemble a traditional Arab lantern and has a retractable roof and a cooling system. |
Khalifa International Stadium | Doha | 40,000 | The oldest stadium in Qatar, which was renovated for the World Cup. It has a distinctive arch design and an LED lighting system. It will host matches up to the third place match. |
Al Bayt Stadium | Al Khor | 60,000 | A new stadium that is inspired by the traditional Arab tent and has a removable upper tier. It will host matches up to the semi-finals. |
Al Janoub Stadium | Al Wakrah | 40,000 | A new stadium that is designed to resemble a traditional Arab dhow boat and has a retractable roof and a cooling system. It will host matches up to the round of 16. |
Education City Stadium | Doha | 40,000 | A new stadium that is located in the heart of Qatar’s academic and research hub and has a diamond-shaped facade. It will host matches up to the quarter-finals. |
Al Rayyan Stadium | Al Rayyan | 40,000 | A renovated stadium that is decorated with patterns that reflect Qatar’s culture and history. It will host matches up to the round of 16. |
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium | Doha | 40,000 | A new stadium that is made of shipping containers and modular elements that can be dismantled and reused after the World Cup. It will host matches up to the round of 16. |
Al Thumama Stadium | Doha | 40,000 | A new stadium that is shaped like a traditional Arab headscarf and has a cooling system. It will host matches up to the quarter-finals. |
The stadiums are located within a 40-kilometer radius of each other, making it easy for fans to travel between them. The stadiums are also connected by an advanced transportation network, including a metro system, buses, taxis, and shuttle services. The stadiums are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, such as Wi-Fi, security cameras, electronic ticketing, and accessibility features.
The fans will also be able to experience the culture and hospitality of Qatar at the stadiums and their surroundings. Each stadium will have a fan zone, where fans can enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and activities before and after the matches. The stadiums will also showcase the heritage and diversity of Qatar, with themes such as desert, sea, education, innovation, sustainability, and legacy.
The weather and climate of Qatar will also play a role in the World Cup. Qatar has a hot and arid climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C in November and December. However, the stadiums will have cooling systems that will keep the temperature at around 24°C for the players and spectators. The stadiums will also have roofs that can be closed in case of rain or sandstorms. The World Cup will also be held in winter, which means shorter days and longer nights. The matches will start from 10:00 in the morning until 01:00 at night (local time), which may affect the players’ performance and the fans’ sleep patterns.
Tickets and Travel
If you want to attend the World Cup in person, you will need to apply for tickets and travel to Qatar. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Tickets: The tickets for the World Cup are sold by FIFA through its official website (www.fifa.com/tickets) or its authorized ticketing partners. The tickets are sold in four phases: pre-sale, random selection draw, first come first served, and last minute sales. The prices and categories of the tickets vary depending on the match, the stadium, and the seat location. The cheapest tickets are for the group stage matches (starting from $13), while the most expensive ones are for the final (up to $1,100). The tickets are also sold in packages or bundles that include multiple matches or all matches of a specific team or venue.
To apply for tickets, you will need to create an account on FIFA’s website and provide your personal details and payment information. You can apply for up to four tickets per match or per package. You can also apply for accessibility tickets if you have a disability or a mobility impairment. You can check the status of your application online or by email. If your application is successful, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket reservation number. You can then download your tickets electronically or collect them physically at one of the FIFA Ticketing Centers in Qatar.
Travel: To travel to Qatar for the World Cup, you will need to have a valid passport and a visa, unless you are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Qatar has a list of 80 countries whose citizens can enter Qatar without a visa or with a visa on arrival. You can check the list and the visa requirements on the official website of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar (www.moi.gov.qa). You can also apply for an e-visa online through the same website or through the Qatar Visa Service website (www.qatarvisaservice.com).
To book your flight to Qatar, you can use various online platforms, such as Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights. You can compare the prices and schedules of different airlines and choose the best option for you. The main airport in Qatar is the Hamad International Airport (HIA), which is located in Doha and serves as the hub for Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar and the official airline of the World Cup. HIA is one of the most modern and efficient airports in the world, with a capacity of 50 million passengers per year. It offers a range of services and facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, hotels, and a metro station.
To find accommodation in Qatar, you can use various online platforms, such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, or TripAdvisor. You can choose from a variety of options, such as hotels, apartments, villas, hostels, or campsites. You can also filter your search by price, location, rating, or amenities. The prices and availability of accommodation may vary depending on the demand and the season. The average price of a hotel room in Qatar is around $150 per night, but it may increase during the World Cup. You can also book your accommodation through FIFA’s official website (www.fifa.com/accommodation), which offers exclusive deals and packages for World Cup fans.
To explore Qatar during the World Cup, you can use various modes of transportation, such as metro, bus, taxi, car rental, or bike. The metro is the fastest and cheapest way to travel around Doha and to the stadiums. It has four lines: Red, Green, Gold, and Blue. The Red Line connects HIA to Lusail City and passes by six stadiums. The Green Line connects Education City to Al Mansoura and passes by two stadiums. The Gold Line connects Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziyah and passes by two stadiums. The Blue Line connects West Bay to Msheireb and passes by one stadium. The metro operates from 06:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and from 14:00 to 23:00 on Fridays. The fare ranges from $0.5 to $1.5 per trip.
The bus is another option to travel around Doha and to other cities in Qatar. It has more than 100 routes that cover most areas of the country. The bus operates from 05:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and from 05:00 to 01:00 on weekends. The fare ranges from $0.5 to $2 per trip.
The taxi is a convenient and comfortable way to travel around Qatar. It can be hailed on the street or booked online or by phone. There are two types of taxis in Qatar: Karwa taxis and limousine taxis. Karwa taxis are blue-colored cars that have meters and charge according to the distance and time. Limousine taxis are black-colored cars that have fixed rates and charge according to the destination and service level. The average fare for a taxi ride in Qatar is around $10.
The car rental is an option for those who want more freedom and flexibility to travel around Qatar. It can be booked online or at the airport or at various locations in Doha. There are many car rental companies in Qatar, such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, or Sixt. The average price for a car rental in Qatar is around $40 per day.
The bike is an option for those who want to enjoy the scenery and exercise while traveling around Qatar. It can be rented online or at various locations in Doha. There are many bike rental companies in Qatar such as Nextbike, Qbike, or Mowasalat. The average price for a bike rental in Qatar is around $5 per hour.
To make the most of your stay in Qatar during the World Cup, you can also visit some of the best places and attractions in the country. Qatar has a rich and diverse culture and history, as well as a modern and vibrant lifestyle. Some of the places and attractions that you should not miss include:
- The Museum of Islamic Art: A stunning museum that showcases the art and heritage of the Islamic world, from Spain to India. It is located on an artificial island in Doha Bay and has a unique design by the famous architect I.M. Pei.
- The Souq Waqif: A traditional market that offers a variety of goods, such as spices, fabrics, handicrafts, souvenirs, and food. It is located in the heart of Doha and has a lively atmosphere and a charming architecture.
- The Pearl-Qatar: A luxurious and artificial island that features residential, commercial, and entertainment facilities, such as hotels, malls, restaurants, marinas, and beaches. It is located off the coast of Doha and has a shape that resembles a pearl.
- The Katara Cultural Village: A cultural and artistic hub that hosts various events, festivals, exhibitions, and performances. It is located on the eastern coast of Doha and has a design that reflects the traditional Qatari architecture.
- The Al Zubarah Fort: A historic fort that was built in the 18th century to protect the coastal town of Al Zubarah, which was once a thriving pearl fishing and trading center. It is located on the northwestern coast of Qatar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conclusion
The Futbol World Cup 2022 is an event that you should not miss if you are a fan of futbol or just curious about the world. It is a unique opportunity to witness the best teams and players in action, to experience the culture and hospitality of Qatar, and to enjoy the excitement and thrill of the tournament.
In this article, we have given you a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the World Cup 2022. We have covered the teams and groups, the schedule and fixtures, the stadiums and venues, the tickets and travel, and much more. We hope that this article has answered all your questions and prepared you well for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Now that you have read this article, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Qatar and get ready to cheer for your favorite team. The World Cup 2022 is only a year away, so don’t miss this chance to be part of history. The World Cup 2022 is more than just a futbol tournament. It is a celebration of passion, talent, diversity, and unity. It is a dream come true for futbol fans. It is the Futbol World Cup 2022.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the World Cup 2022:
- Q: How can I watch the World Cup 2022 online?
- A: You can watch the World Cup 2022 online through various streaming platforms, such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, Peacock Premium, Paramount Plus, ESPN Plus, DAZN, Fanatiz, and many more. However, some of these platforms may require a subscription fee or a VPN service to access them.
- Q: How can I buy merchandise for the World Cup 2022?
- A: You can buy merchandise for the World Cup 2022 through FIFA’s official online store (www.fifashop.com) or through its authorized retailers in Qatar or around the world. You can choose from a variety of products such as jerseys, hats, scarves, balls, pins, mugs, and more.
- Q: How can I volunteer for the World Cup 2022?
- A: You can volunteer for the World Cup 2022 by applying online through FIFA’s official website (www.fifa.com/volunteers) or through the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy website (www.sc.qa/en/opportunities/volunteer-programme). You can choose from a range of roles and tasks, such as hospitality, media, security, transportation, and more. You will need to meet some requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, having a good command of English, and being available for training and shifts.
- Q: How can I bet on the World Cup 2022?
- A: You can bet on the World Cup 2022 through various online platforms, such as Bet365, Betfair, Bovada, DraftKings, FanDuel, and many more. However, you should be aware of the legal and ethical implications of betting on sports, as well as the risks and rewards involved. You should also check the laws and regulations of your country and the host country before placing any bets.
- Q: How can I learn more about the World Cup 2022?
- A: You can learn more about the World Cup 2022 by visiting FIFA’s official website (www.fifa.com/worldcup) or its social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube). You can also follow the news and updates from various sources, such as ESPN, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, and many more.
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