FIFA
FIFA denies Belgium’s request to wear jerseys with “Love” label at Qatar World Cup
FIFA has denied Belgium’s request to wear team jerseys with a “Love” label at the World Cup in Qatar because of a commercial link to a rave festival.
Multi-color detail on the white shirt was described as a “symbol for mutual values on diversity, equality and inclusivity” at the September launch by Belgium’s signature electronic music event Tomorrowland.
But FIFA rules on team uniforms and equipment forced Belgium to change its World Cup plans for its first alternate jersey to the traditional red.
“We had to skip it for commercial reasons because of referring to Tomorrowland,” the Belgian soccer federation said Monday.
FIFA declined to comment on its ruling regarding the second-choice jersey, which was made several weeks ago.
Read more: What is ‘One Love’ armband and why is FIFA against it in World Cup 2022?
The decision emerged Monday after FIFA flexed its power to crack down on Belgium and six other European teams for wanting their captains to wear the “One Love” armband with a multi-colored, heart-shaped logo in Qatar. The teams backed down when FIFA threatened instant yellow cards for each captain.
The armband, which breaks FIFA equipment rules, was to support a Dutch anti-discrimination campaign that drew attention to the host nation’s record on human rights.
The “One Love” campaign highlighted little-known FIFA rules that Belgium also fell foul of.
All 32 World Cup teams had to seek FIFA approval for designs and colors of three contrasting team uniforms months ahead of the tournament. FIFA has now approved the white Belgium jersey with the same colored trim but the “Love” label covered up on the inside of the collar.
“In principle we could play in it (at the World Cup),” the Belgian soccer federation said, “but meanwhile we chose to play in red for the group-stage matches.”
Belgium starts its Group F program against Canada on Wednesday. The 2018 World Cup semifinalists then play Morocco and Croatia, the losing finalist from four years ago.
Read more: FIFA’s punishment threat forces European team captains to abandon ‘One Love’ armbands
A similar case enforced by European soccer body UEFA last year saw Ajax denied permission to include a "Three Little Birds" motif on a shirt inspired by reggae music icon Bob Marley for Champions League games.
Ajax could wear the black shirt with gold, red and green trim to honor its fans' anthem but UEFA ruled the motif had to be removed from the back of the shirt.
Qatar World Cup: Biggest party or scam in the world?
As the world watched the FIFA World Cup 2022 – hosted by Qatar – opening ceremony full of entertainment and anticipating a whole month of high-octane football action, I had a twinge of doubt. Are the ethical and moral circumstances surrounding this latest edition of the World Cup Ok?
A couple of days back I was watching the recently released Netflix documentary, “FIFA Uncovered”. It is a documentary exposing all the dirty laundry of the governing body of the most loved and followed sport on earth. Some of the revelations put an end to any doubt of FIFA’s love for corruption. The ex-co members of FIFA deeming Qatar worthy of hosting the 2022 World Cup is the shining jewel at the top of FIFA’s corruption crown!
Qatar beat the USA and Canada to become the hosts of the 2022 World Cup, defying all logic as at the time of the voting, Qatar had next to no infrastructure worthy of hosting an event of this magnitude in comparison to their opponents vying for the same project. Despite all this, Qatar was able to “buy” their way into becoming the hosts as the documentary shows.
Read: Qatar ready to open Mideast’s first FIFA World Cup before leaders, fans
A segment shows the immense Qatari investment in French ventures following the ensuring of Michel Platini’s (former UEFA president and FIFA ex-co member) vote going for Qatar’s bid. Interestingly, Qatar’s investment in Paris Saint Germain, the biggest club in France and the club Lionel Messi plays for now, is a part of Qatar’s investment in France following Platini’s tilt.
Sports washing has long been an issue plaguing the world of sport. It’s basically a bid to use sports to improve reputations and brands damaged by wrongdoings of many kinds. What better sport than the most famous one known to mankind? So, an investment of USD 12 billion to host this World Cup was worth it. This included building stadiums, hotels and even entire cities from scratch. Qatar’s bid to sportswash their country’s image of human rights violation (let’s not get into the details) was just the latest in a long run which included the 1936 “Nazi Olympics”.
Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Things you need to know
As a football romantic, I am cynical of the credibility of the 2022 World Cup and its shenanigans, but as Morgan Freeman said during his speech at the opening ceremony in what according to me was the highlight of the evening, “What unites us here is so much greater than what divides us. How can we make it last longer?” I do hope the most emotionally stirring game in the world does take center stage amidst all this controversy, and if not anything else, we as a world community can enjoy our heroes fighting it out far away from the dirt that touched the hands of FIFA officials and celebrate the ultimate glory anyone related to football can dream of!
England Squad analysis for 2022 World Cup
It’s been 56 years since England won the World Cup. Although they approach the tournament with excellent players each World Cup, they fail to amaze the fans. But, this time, the team seems to have a good rhythm among the players. Under Gareth Southgate, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy in a tiebreaker.
So, this time, can England play the ultimate game? Is England going to win the World Cup title after 56 years? The Three Lions are going to the World Cup for the seventh time in a row, and they will be joined by Wales and Iran from Qatar World Cup Group B.
England team announced for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Role
Players
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
Defenders
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Benjamin White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Conor Coady (Everton), Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Midfielders
Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Forwards
Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), James Maddison (Leicester City)
Read More: Which European teams have the best chances of winning 2022 World Cup?
English coach Southgate announced the 26-member team for the 22nd appearance of the World Cup. He announced the World Cup squad with regular faces on November 10. England has a very talented pool of players, but their recent form is not promising. Also, their creative options are not very desirable. Harry Kane, one of the best strikers in the world, is joined by young midfielders like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
The only surprise in England’s World Cup team is Leicester City star, James Maddison. After three years, this English midfielder returned to the national team just before the World Cup. This time England is going to Qatar with a much-expected team.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has returned from injury. However, Harry Maguire survived in the World Cup team despite poor performance and various criticisms. However, Fikayo Tomori, Evan Toney, and Jared Bowen did not make the team.
Read More: Toffee set to livestream FIFA World Cup Qatar'2022 beginning on Sunday
This time, Jordan Pickford is getting the responsibility of handling the English goalpost. But Southgate may suffer in defense. With Reece James and Ben Chilwell sidelined due to injury, the English coach will have to rely on Maguire and Arnold, who are out of form.
However, the English attack is full of stars. With so many options, Southgate will face difficulties in making the starting XI.
England team analysis for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Although Brazil, Argentina, France, and Portugal are the favorites to win the World Cup, they are not the most expensive team. The most expensive team in terms of current market value is team England. Let’s see some of the expensive key players.
Harry Kane, forward
Not only England but Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world right now. He is now physically fit and injury-free. The 29-year-old striker has a physio working round the clock. He has been in good form for Tottenham.
Read More: Germany Squad Analysis for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
The biggest motivation for him will be to surpass Wayne Rooney, who scored 53 goals for the national team; just two more goals are needed to become England’s all-time leading scorer.
It will certainly surprise everyone if Harry does not surpass Rooney in Qatar. He was the joint-top scorer for non-penalty goals at Euro 2020 (4 with Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick). Joint top scorer in this year’s World Cup qualifiers (12 with Memphis Depay of the Netherlands).
Declan Rice, midfield
23-year-old West Ham captain Declan Rice is a regular member of the current England squad. He lets others play, and his ability to be in the right place at the right time has been an invaluable defensive asset for England.
Read More: France Squad Analysis for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
No one but Rice can give this defense to Gareth Southgate. His ability to win the ball and positional discipline will give Bellingham the power forward in attack. England’s attack will always rely on his efficient passing, so his success or failure will largely determine the future of the England team.
Benjamin White, defense
25-year-old Ben White, who plays in Arsenal, can play in all three positions, center back, right back, and defensive midfield. However, in this year’s World Cup, he may also have to play at left back due to injury. Because the team’s regular left-back, Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, has been ruled out due to injury.
Jude Bellingham, midfield
Jude Bellingham is the only England player selected from outside the English league. The 19-year-old midfielder plays for Borussia Dortmund. He will play the biggest role in filling the lack of a creative midfielder in the team. Teams will look to him to get forward with the ball and make the final pass inside the penalty box.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Things you need to know
Phil Foden, forward
Manchester City’s 22-year-old Phil Foden is considered one of the best young players in the world. He plays on the left foot but can play on the right wing when the team needs it. Although he is not physically strong, the ball sticks to his feet like glue and can easily trick the opposition player. He is a natural talent and also plays in the ‘false nine’ position if the team needs it.
Final Words
But can the England team really go far? They have had no win in the last 6 Nations Cup matches. Lost 4 and drew 2. They were beaten 4-0 by Hungary in June. However, England has qualified for the World Cup by being the champion in Group ‘I’ in the European region in the World Cup-2022 qualifiers.
If everything goes well, such as if England becomes the group champion from Group B’ and, on the other hand, Senegal or Ecuador becomes the runner-up from Group ‘A’ then England will not face difficulties in defeating Senegal or Ecuador in the second round. But in that case, they will likely face France in the quarter-finals. And the farewell bell for the English team in Qatar World Cup can ring from there.
Read More: Why Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal is priceless -- and unforgettable.
Which European teams have the best chances of winning 2022 World Cup?
The World Cup trophy has been in Europe for a long time. Brazil became the champion in 2002. After that, four European countries took the cup in the following four tournaments. From that point, it seems Latin teams are having a bad time in World Cup. In addition to that top four European teams, such as Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal, have an excellent squad at Qatar World Cup. So, there is a good chance that the FIFA World Cup trophy 2022 may remain in Europe.
Table: Power Ranking of Four European teams Participating in FIFA Football World Cup 2022
Team
Power Ranking
Germany
3
Spain
4
France
5
Portugal
10
Source: Goal.com
4 Potential European Teams to Win the 2022 Qatar World Cup Trophy
Among the 32 World Cup teams, 13 of them are from Europe. While one of the favorites, Italy, is out of the tournament, Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal join the tournament as favorites. However, the other 9 teams also have a good chance to surprise the world. But we will focus on these four teams. Let’s see the analysis of the potential of Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Read More: Argentina or Brazil: Which team's prospects look better in Qatar World Cup?
France
Table: France Squad at a glance
Positions
Players Who can Make the Difference
Defend
Rapahel Varane, William Saliba
Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga
Attack
Kylian Mbappe, Antonine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele
French coach Didier Deschamps has announced the final squad for the 2022 World Cup with 11 players from the team that won the World Cup in Russia. The 25-member squad was announced at a press conference in Paris.
Midfielders N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba are out of the squad due to injuries. However, Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or this year, returned to the attack. But Benzema is also out of the tournament as he was injured during the training session.
Defending champions France have not performed much better in the Nations League. However, some uniqueness has been noticed in their game. Their previous formation seems to have 4-2-3-1. However, with Benzema’s inclusion, Deschamps might have played a 3-4-1-2 formation. Now that Benzema is out, the manager will have to think of a new formation or use the 4-2-3-1.
Read More: France Squad Analysis for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
Mbappe will play completely in the role of striker while Griezmann helps him from behind. As Varane is doubtful, Arsenal defender William Saliba could come in that place. He is also young, which is both positive and negative for the team because of his experience level.
Young players can also be seen in front of the stoppers. Since Pogba and Kante are gone, Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will play in their place. Both of them are solid midfielders. Deschamps always introduces new tactics using young players. But it must also be said that Deschamps is the kind of coach who decides the formation after seeing the opponent. At this stage, however, there is not much room for experimentation. But they have much more talented footballers.
All 23 of France’s squad are world-class players. There are some of them who have the ability to turn the match at any time. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are two of the best young players in the world of football today. Apart from this, there are great players like Nabil Fekir and Antoine Griezmann. Any one of them has the power to influence the outcome of a match in a moment of magic.
Read More: Qatar Squad analysis for 2022 FIFA Football World Cup
Overall, Coach Didier Deschamps is the biggest tonic of the France team who was the captain of France’s winning 1998 World Cup team. He has been the coach of France since 2012. As a result, Deschamps got the opportunity to organize his own team for a long time. And we have seen the outcome of the 2018 World Cup. Hence, France has a great chance to retain the World Cup.
Spain
Table: Spain Squad at a glance
Positions
Players Who Can Make the Difference
Defense
Jordi Alba, Pau Torres
Midfielder
Sergi Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Koke
Attack
Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Morata
Spain grabbed their long-deserved World Cup in 2010. There isn’t much history in football that won so many top tournaments within a decade. With Cassius, Iniesta, Puyol, and Xavi, Spain has passed its golden time.
But, they failed miserably in the following two World Cups as they struggled to pass the group stage and second round. However, under the coaching of Luis Enrique, a new group of stars has started to make the Spanish dream of winning the World Cup again. Will they get their second title?
Read More: Messi or Ronaldo: Who has better chance at leading team to FIFA World Cup win?
Time will answer that question. But, the Spain team, built with a mixture of youth and experience, has the ability to do great things.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon will be Enrique’s first choice under the posts. However, the Spain coach has excellent options in the goalkeeper position. Robert Sánchez and David Raya are also capable of playing their own roles if needed.
Spain is also very strong in defense. Cesar Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Erik García, and Jordi Alba are very effective in adapting to any situation. Pedri and Koke will be upfront with Sergio Busquets in the midfield.
Read More: 5 players who can win the Golden Boot at Qatar World Cup
19-year-old young Pedri is considered one of the surprises in this World Cup. Eyes will be on Rodri too. How Enrique utilizes the Manchester City star, who has great passing ability, could also play a role in shaping the course of Spain’s game.
And in the forward line, Enrique will rely on Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, and Morata. They can be seen in multiple roles, even by changing positions. Apart from this, stars like Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati, Gavi, or Nico Gonzalez will be waiting for an opportunity from the bench as an alternative even if they do not get a place in the eleven.
It can be said that Enrique has all the enviable options in his hands, which can cause this coach to have a lot of trouble in arranging the eleven. All in all, the mix of youth and experience in the Spain team is quite good.
Read More: FIFA World Cup: 5 players who can win the Golden Ball in Qatar
All in all, Spain’s way of attacking may be in a 2-3-5 formation, where the fullbacks come forward as an attacking and possession-based team, and the wingers play inverted roles.
In the recent matches they have won, the results seem to be seen that they have struggled. But Enrique’s team was much ahead of the opponent in possession of the ball in almost all the matches. However, scoring does not reflect such strong football.
Apparently, Spain is heading a team like the 2010 World Cup. After France, they have a huge chance to win the World Cup.
Read More: Argentina Squad analysis for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Portugal
Table: Portugal Squad at a glance
Positions
Players Who cCanMake the Difference
Defense
Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo
Midfield
Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes
Attack
Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal’s best success at the World Cup is two semi-final appearances. However, this year Portugal has a young, energetic team under Cristiano Ronaldo’s captaincy.
This may be the last World Cup for the 37-year-old star, Ronaldo. He will definitely want to grab the desired trophy. However, in addition to Ronaldo, there are a few other stars in the Portugal team who can change the game.
Read More: Portugal Squad Analysis for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
With Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, this time Portugal has a promising team. All these players have been in great form in their club matches. Although the squad is good, Portugal has never played a World Cup final before.
Overall, team Portugal mostly depends on Ronaldo. Other players’ lack of experience in big tournaments may hold the team back. Also, Portugal’s knockout against Belgium in Euro 2021 also portrays a poor team performance.
However, they have easy opponents in the group stage. Despite being a good squad, Portugal has a 50-50 chance.
Read More: Why Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal is priceless -- and unforgettable
Germany
Table: German Squad at a glance
Positions
Players Who can Make the Difference
Goalkeeping
Manuel Neuer
Defense
Antonio Rudiger
Attack
Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller
Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, was eliminated in the first round in Russia four years ago. Never since World War II has Germany been eliminated before the quarter-finals of two consecutive international football tournaments. There is not much optimism about Germany in this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Even the German team doesn’t have much hope for themselves. This is evident from the words of Antonio Rudiger, one of the most important stars of the team. The German defender of Real Madrid thinks that it will be a big ‘shock’ if Germany becomes the champion in Qatar World Cup.
Read More: Germany Squad Analysis for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
This time, such a Germany is going to play the World Cup in Qatar, about whom the British media, The Guardian says, “The Germany team are at a historic low.”
Germany was knocked out in the group stage at the FIFA World Cup in Russia four years ago and failed to make it past the second round after losing to England at the Euros.
After winning the World Cup in 2014, many of their golden generations quit the game. In those places, the replacement was not really done that way. Muller is still their hope in scoring goals. The team did not do well in the Nations League either. All in all, nothing big can be expected from them. But it is also true Hansi Flick will try to build a combination with this team.
Read More: 5 rising stars to watch for in FIFA World Cup 2022
Apart from Muller, 19-year-old midfielder Jamal Musiala is another hope for the team. Musiala’s big strength is his build, and he can move through defenses quickly because of his physical build. Another special thing about Musiala is that he is good with both feet; his shot power is quite good at this age.
Overall, Germany has almost zero chance of surviving in this World Cup unless any miracle happens.
Final Words
This is the World Cup stage, and anything can happen. Though several countries from Europe-America are making strong claims for the championship, it is difficult to say which country will win. So far, we have analyzed the potentials of four European squads including Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, as per the analysis, if we have to pick from Europe, France has the ultimate chance.
Read More: Brazil Team Analysis for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Who Will Perform in Qatar World Cup Opening Ceremony?
The FIFA World Cup opening ceremony will take place on November 20 prior to the host nation Qatar's match against Ecuador in Group A. The opening ceremony will start at 17:00 AST (GMT+3) / 09:00 ET, one hour before the game. The Al Bayt Stadium located in Al Khor city will host the World Cup's opening ceremony. With a capacity of accommodating 60,000 people, Al Bayt Stadium will be the venue for one of the semifinals in this Football World Cup tournament. Let's take a look at who will perform in the opening ceremony of the FIFA Football World Cup 2022.
Musicians and Artists to Perform in 2022 World Cup Opening Ceremony
The list of opening ceremony performers for the main event has not been revealed yet. However, rumors claim that a few of the possible performers include:
-Jung Kook, member of BTS, a K-pop group-Nora Fatehi, an actress and dancer-Black Eyed Peas, an American musical trio.-J Balvin, a Colombian singer.-Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, a musician from Nigeria-Lil Baby, an American rapper.
Read More: Meet Laeeb: Mascot of 2022 FIFA World Cup Football Tournament in Qatar
Jung Kook
The South Korean pop superstar Jung Kook, a member of the popular boy band BTS, will perform during the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony. In 2017, Jung Kook paid a transient visit to Qatar. It stoked rumors about whether or not he will attend the opening ceremony. The Twitter hashtag #WelcomeToQatarJungkook was just beginning to gain popularity at that time.
Black Eyed Peas
The American musical act Black Eyed Peas is also scheduled to appear on the lineup. The American band has previously performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Grammy-winning group will take over the official F1 Tracks later this weekend and create an exhilarating soundtrack for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Fergie's role as lead vocalist for The Black Eyed Peas contributed significantly to their popularity in the late 2000s. Elevation, the ninth studio album from The Black Eyed Peas, seeks to be a straightforward improvement over Translation.
Read More: 10 Smart TVs Under Tk50000 in Bangladesh to Watch World Cup Matches
Nora Fatehi
Nora Fatehi tops the list with the most eagerly anticipated performance. In this tournament, Bollywood star Nora Fatehi will represent India on a global scale. She will reportedly perform during the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony. She had previously appeared in the music video for "Light the World," the official FIFA anthem for this year, with other prominent stars like Nicky Minaj.
The hymn "Light the sky," which will be performed by Nora, has already been recorded by Moroccan singer RedOne, who has previously collaborated with Brazilian musician Shakira on the songs "La la la" and "Waka Waka."
J Balvin
Colombian artist J Balvin is also scheduled to play in the Qatar World Cup Football ceremony. Reggaeton musician and entrepreneur J. Balvin is one of the greatest Latin artists of all time.
Read More: 5 Host Cities of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: A Travel Guide
Balvin has surpassed barriers across cultures in music by winning titles in Latin Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Although he hasn't performed at a World Cup, Balvin did the NFL kickoff this year.
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie
Patoranking (actual name Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie), a reggae-dancehall musician from Nigeria, together with DJ Aseel and Hassan Shakosh, are expected to perform at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lil Baby
According to FIFA, Lil Baby, an American rapper, performer, and composer, will also perform at the 2022 World Cup Opening Ceremony. Lil Baby also contributed to the world cup 2022 song "The World Is Yours To Take."
Read More: Bollywood diva Nora Fatehi finally arrives in Dhaka
Numerous elite football players, including Messi, Neymar Jr., and Raheem Sterling, were featured in the song. Lil Baby will now shock the stage with his singing and musical instruments.
Infantino unopposed to get 4 more years as FIFA president
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is getting four more years in charge of soccer’s governing body after no candidate stepped up to challenge him.
FIFA said Thursday the 52-year-old Swiss lawyer was the only person to enter the race by the time the deadline passed overnight — exactly four months before election day on March 16 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Infantino won a five-candidate race in 2016 to replace Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected unopposed in 2019. He’s now set to stay in the job beyond the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Infantino’s upcoming re-election to the $3 million-per-year job may not be his final term in office. FIFA rules allow him to run again to stay in power for another World Cup cycle until 2031.
A quirk of FIFA’s statutes means the first three years of Infantino’s presidency — when he completed an unfinished term started by Blatter — does not count against the 12-year limit agreed to in reforms passed during a prolonged corruption crisis before his first election.
Read: Qatar World Cup: 5 Hot Favorites to win the trophy
Outside of soccer, one political threat to Infantino’s leadership is an investigation by two special prosecutors in Switzerland into his three undocumented meetings with then-attorney general Michael Lauber in 2016 and 2017 during American and Swiss federal investigations of soccer officials.
It is currently unclear how that case, which is being overseen by the Swiss parliament, is proceeding or how much jurisdiction it has over Infantino as a private citizen who could be accused of having sought an advantage from a public official. He has denied all wrongdoing.
Infantino’s current term in office, which started in June 2019, saw FIFA dip into its $2 billion-plus reserves and oversee emergency legal measures to help stabilize soccer through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The global health crisis almost entirely shut down World Cup qualifying games in 2020. The final tournament in Qatar starts on Sunday.
Infantino did not get approval for the biggest idea in the current presidential term — doubling the number of men’s World Cups to every two years in a planned overhaul of the calendar for national teams. That plan was blocked last year by the continental soccer bodies of Europe and South America, UEFA and CONMEBOL, who teamed up to threaten a boycott of a biennial World Cup.
Tensions persist between FIFA and the two traditionally powerful continents, though they declined to propose or publicly support a challenger. Candidates need pledges from five federations and to have been active in a formal soccer role for at least two of the past five years.
Infantino has shored up his voting base in the 54-member Confederation of African Football, which has been led since March 2021 by his close ally, South African mining magnate Patrice Motsepe.
Read: Qatar World Cup: 5 Dark Horses to look out for
The 2026 World Cup in North America, the first with 48 teams instead of 32, will hugely raise the tournament records for attendance and revenue for FIFA, which is on track to earn nearly $7 billion in its four-year commercial cycle tied to the World Cup in Qatar.
Infantino has consistently staked his presidency on raising FIFA’s income to steer more money toward federations worldwide. He wants other countries to close the gap on Europe and South America, which have provided every team to play in all 21 World Cup finals.
Europe and South America will field competing bids to host the 2030 World Cup, which is set for a vote by FIFA members in 2024.
Ukraine was added in October to the co-hosting bid by Spain and Portugal, while 1930 host Uruguay is part of a centenary celebration bid with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.
Infantino still needs to pass an integrity and eligibility check carried out by a FIFA-appointed review panel chaired by a judge from India, Mukul Mudgal. That should be a formality in the weeks ahead.
Meet Laeeb: Mascot of 2022 FIFA World Cup Football Tournament in Qatar
Every FIFA World Cup tournament’s official mascot represents a unique character. World Cup Willie was the official mascot of the 1966 FIFA World Cup event. It was one of the first mascots to be connected to a major sporting event, which started the pattern.
Generally, the concept and artwork of a mascot represent a feature of the country that is hosting the event of the FIFA World Cup. The unique feature can be connected to the nature, animals, or attire of the host nation. The design typically features one or more kid-friendly anthropomorphic figures that correspond with cartoons and related products.
Read More: Brazil Team Analysis for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Laeeb: Offical Mascot of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Laeeb or La'eeb is the mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament, which will run from November 20 to December 18, 2018. Qatar and FIFA have unveiled the mascot officially. the Arabic word la'eeb represents a Super-talented player. He is a member of a mascot verse that exists in a parallel universe but his appearance is open to interpretation.
La'eeb will be renowned for his vivacity, bringing happiness and assurance with him wherever he goes. La'eeb exhorts everyone to have confidence with the slogan "Now is All." Everyone will enjoy football thanks to him.
Read More: Is the FIFA Football World Cup Trophy Made of Solid Gold?
La'eeb comes from a dimension where mascots for sporting events exist. It's a universe where everyone's imaginations and creative ideas serve as the foundation for the characters that inhabit it.
Every previous FIFA World Cup tournament has been attended by the inspirational and brave La'eeb, who has participated in some of the most illustrious moments in football history and scored a number of historic goals.
Read More: 5 Host Cities of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: A Travel Guide
La'eeb will be present everywhere, welcoming visitors, encouraging young supporters, and applauding the play during FIFA’s Qatar World Cup 2022 tournament.
Qatar's World Cup stadiums won't turn into white elephants
One of the World Cup stadiums in Qatar is named after the Persian Gulf country’s international dialing code — 974 — and another is called “Education City.” They’re unusual names that hardly sound like they have links to soccer, and after the tournament many no longer will.
Qatar built seven of its eight lavish World Cup stadiums and heavily renovated another. The smallest World Cup host nation since Switzerland in 1954, Qatar has a population of 2.6 million, with only 360,000 Qatari citizens, and a limited domestic league.
So it’s questionable it needs so many large venues after the tournament, especially after the past three World Cups — in South Africa, Brazil and Russia — exposed several stadiums without long-term use.
At least Stadium 974 in Ras Abu Aboud won’t become a white elephant, since it will disappear. The 40,000-seat arena located port-side just east of Doha was made from recycled shipping containers — 974 of them. The demountable, energy-efficient stadium will make way for a waterfront business development.
But many other stadiums won’t host any more soccer beyond this tournament and next summer’s Asian Cup — for which Qatar won hosting rights after host China withdrew citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Only two top-tier teams from the Qatar Stars League — Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah — will play in their glitzy World Cup stadiums.
The majority of this World Cup’s venues will have their capacity diminished from 40,000 to 20,000 post-tournament as part of a sustainability drive. Education City is 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Doha. Half the seats will go and the venue will be used by 8,000 students across nine universities and eleven schools.
What happens those extra 20,000 seats, then?
”(They) will be offered to countries who need sporting infrastructure,” Ali Al Dosari, the stadium’s director of installations, said in a press release. “This will allow the culture of soccer to be promoted and to a greater extent the love of sport throughout the world.”
Qatar pledged to give 170,000 removed seats to developing countries.
A similar fate awaits the tent-shaped Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City, a 60,000-seater hosting the opener between Qatar and Ecuador on Nov. 20 and soon after an eagerly anticipated tussle between England and the United States.
The plan is for the upper tier is to be removed after the tournament, allowing for further recommissioning of seats. A five-star hotel and a shopping center will be incorporated into the stadium building, and a sports medicine hospital will open.
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Participating countries, venues, full group phase fixtures
Good use of existing infrastructure, no doubt, but hardly leaving a soccer legacy behind. For example, the four extra stadiums built for the 2016 European Championship in France — Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux and Nice — are being used by those club teams for the long term.
With its gold facade and 80,000 capacity, Qatar’s gleaming Lusail Stadium hosts 10 matches, including the final. It’s only 20 kilometers (12.2 miles) from Doha, but no club will call this gleaming vessel home. In keeping with sustainable development, its future lies as a community hub with housing units, shops, schools, cafes and medical clinics. The upper-tier will become outdoor terracing for new homes.
Al Thumama Stadium is another 40,000-seater located close to the center of Doha whose capacity will be halved. The arena will then be used for soccer and other sporting events, although it is not yet clear which. A sports clinic and a hotel will open on site.
CARRY ON PLAYING
The 40,000-capacity Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, located 20 kilometers (12.2 miles) west of Doha in Umm Al Afaei, is home to Al Rayyan in the 12-team QSL; and to second-tier Al-Kharitiyath Sports Club.
The 40,000-seater Al Janoub Stadium, meanwhile, is where France begins its title defense against Australia on Nov. 22.
Al Wakrah will carry on playing matches here in the QSL after the tournament with a reduced capacity of 20,000 — a low attendance for a top-flight team compared to major European and South American leagues.
Khalifa International Stadium near central Doha dates from 1976 and was extensively renovated to hold 40,000 fans. The oft-used stadium has held the Arabian Gulf Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the track and field world championships. “The Khalifa Stadium will continue to host matches and big tournaments,” stadium director Ahmad Al Thani said.
A recent written request by The Associated Press for more comment on the stadium legacies from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy was declined.
The SC’s Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi previously said the stadiums all met sustainability benchmarks.
Read more: 5 Host Cities of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: A Travel Guide
“We have recycled and reused wherever possible and implemented a vast range of energy and water efficiency solutions,’” he said in a document on the stadiums. “We have used materials from sustainable sources and implemented innovative legacy plans to ensure our tournament doesn’t leave any ’white elephants.’”
So, although post-World Cup soccer legacy itself is likely to be low, it’s unlikely cash-rich Qatar will face similar financial and logistical problems other nations did after misusing public resources.
EXPENSIVE ELEPHANTS
The Montreal Olympic Stadium that hosted the 1976 Olympic Games became known as a famed white elephant that took 30 years to pay off.
Previous soccer World Cup hosts are still shelling out, too.
After South Africa spent $1.1 billion on its 10 stadiums for the 2010 tournament, half of which were new, many were later left unused or underused. This proved highly expensive for city councils left footing the bill and ended up bleeding taxpayer money.
The $600 million Cape Town Stadium offered a spectacular view of Table Mountain, but for a hefty price. It has reportedly cost taxpayers in the region of $3.5 million a year, but legacy problems were partially resolved by sharing with the city’s Stormers rugby team and hosting international rugby games.
Brazil spent nearly $4 billion building and renovating venues for 2014. Four cities in Brazil were left with underused stadiums like the $550 million Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, which even hosted one game with just 400 spectators. The 46,000-capacity Arena Pernambuco in Recife does not have a team.
Russia’s $10.8 billion World Cup price tag was inflated by loss-making arenas with high yearly maintenance. Of the 12 stadiums from 2018, only eight host top-tier matches, generally with tens of thousands of empty seats, except at Zenit St. Petersburg and Spartak Moscow’s stadiums.
HUMAN COST
Qatar has been fiercely criticized for the physical and contractual conditions of workers, mostly from south Asia, needed to build stadiums, metro lines, roads and hotels.
The exact number of migrant workers who have died or were injured working in often extreme heat on projects since FIFA picked Qatar as World Cup host in December 2010 is unclear. Definitive data has been hard to verify or not published by authorities.
Qatar has set up a workers’ support fund which, since 2020, has paid $164 million in compensation to more than 36,000 workers from 17 different countries, Human Rights Watch said in August, citing government data.
Which Countries have Won FIFA Football World Cup Trophy?
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest international football tournament that has been around since 1930. It features the best national football teams from around the world competing for the coveted World Cup trophy. Let's take a look at which countries won the Football World Cups so far.
8 Countries Who Acquired the FIFA World Cup Trophy
Brazil
Brazil has won the FIFA world cup tournament five times. The first time was in 1958 when they beat Sweden in the final 5-2. Four years later, they retained their title with a 3-1 win over Czechoslovakia.
In 1970, Brazil produced one of the greatest teams of all time, winning the World Cup against Italy with some of the most stylish and flamboyant football ever seen. They triumphed again in 1994, this time with a more pragmatic approach, before sealing their fifth victory in 2002 with a 2-0 win over Germany.
Read More: 5 Host Cities of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: A Travel Guide
No other team has won more than four World Cups, making Brazil the most successful nation in the history of the tournament.
Germany
Germany has been one of the most successful teams in the history of the FIFA World Cup, winning the tournament four times. As of 2022, The German national team has appeared in a total of 20 FIFA World Cups and has reached the final eight times.
Germany's first World Cup victory came in 1954 when they defeated Hungary 3-2 in the final. The German team then went on to win the World Cup again in 1974 and 1990. Germany's most recent World Cup victory came in 2014 when they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Read More: Is the FIFA Football World Cup Trophy Made of Solid Gold?
Italy
Italy has a long and storied history in the FIFA World Cup, having won the tournament four times. The first time was in 1934 when they defeated Czechoslovakia in the final. They followed that up with victories in 1938 and 1982.
Their most recent title came in 2006 when they defeated France in a dramatic final. In addition to their four titles, Italy has also been runners-up twice, in 1970 and 1994.
Argentina
Argentina has qualified for the event a total of eighteen times and has won the title on two occasions. The first time came in 1978 when Argentina hosted the tournament and defeated the Netherlands in the final. The second came in 1986 when Diego Maradona led the team to victory against West Germany. Since then, Argentina has been a runner-up twice, in 1990 and 2014.
Read More: Technologies set to amaze at Qatar Football World Cup 2022
France
The French national team has won the FIFA World Cup tournament twice, first in 1998 and then again in 2018. In addition, they were also runners-up in 2006, losing to Italy. Their success at the international level is matched by their strong domestic league, which is widely considered to be one of the best in the world.
Uruguay
The national team won the FIFA World Cup tournament twice, in 1930 and 1950. In recent years, Uruguay has not fared as well in international competition, but they continue to be a force to be reckoned with in South America.
England
England won the World Cup once in 1966 when England defeated West Germany in a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium. Since then, the English football team has failed to produce a fruitful result. Their best performance was fourth place in 1990 and 2018.
Read More: Qatar Travel Guide: Best Places to See, Amazing Things to Do
Spain
Spain has been a powerhouse in the world of soccer for many years but won the FIFA World Cup Tournament only one time in 2010. They defeated the Netherlands in the final. Apart from this Spanish football team's best performance was in 1950 when they came fourth.
Given their recent track record, it is safe to say that Spain will no doubt be looking for another victory in 2022.
Bottom Line
Around 30 countries participate in every Football World Cup tournament. However, according to history, a handful of countries claimed the Football World Cup trophy multiple times. As of 2018, only eight nations, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England, and Spain, have won the trophy. Let’s see which country will win the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022.
Read 8 Stadiums of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
5 Host Cities of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: A Travel Guide
The FIFA Football World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and the 2022 edition in Qatar will be no different. A total of 32 teams will compete in the tournament, with the host nation, Qatar receiving an automatic spot in the group stage. Qatar will host the matches in eight stadiums located across 5 cities including Lusail, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, and Doha. Let’s take a look at the top tourist locations in the five host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Travel Guide for 5 Host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2022
We will take a look at each of the host cities, in turn, to give you an idea of what to see and the crazy things to do if you are planning on attending this year’s Football World Cup tournament in Qatar.
Lusail
With 38 km² of area, Lusail is a beautiful city located in Qatar. It is a great place to visit for its spell-binding tourist attractions, including the Lusail Marina, Crescent Park, Lusail Marina Promenade, Marina Food Arena, and Place Vendome.
Moreover, the city is home to many delicious restaurants, serving both local and international cuisine. You can just visit the top Marina Food Arena to try hundreds of delicious foods.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Lusail, be sure to check out the Lusail's suspension bridges, Shop at Place Vendôme, go-karting at Lusail Circuit Sports Club, and Lusail shooting range at Al Ramii Sport Club. And obviously, you will be visiting Lusail Stadium.
No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to do in Lusail that will make your visit or World Cup Tournament memorable.
Read Is the FIFA Football World Cup Trophy Made of Solid Gold?
Al Khor
Al Khor is a beautiful coastal city in Northern Qatar that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Al Khor is the Al Khor Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Gulf. Visitors can also take a walk through Al Khor Park, an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city.
For those interested in history and culture, the Al Khor Museum is a must-see. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from Qatar's past.
No visit to Al Khor would be complete without trying the local cuisine. Some of the city's most popular dishes include Chicken Sisig, Bamboo Biryani, Malabari Tawa, and kore. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Al Khor has something to offer everyone.
Al Wakrah
Al Wakrah is a city located just south of the capital city of Doha.
It is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Katara Cultural Village, which was built in 2010. It is a great place to discover the Amphitheatre and visit architecturally beautiful mosques, art galleries, and more.
Other tourist attractions in Al Wakrah include the Al Wakrah Souq, which is a popular spot for scenic walking areas, and the Al Wakrah Park.
When it comes to food, Al Wakrah is home to a number of excellent restaurants that serve both local and international cuisine. For something truly unique, be sure to try the camel meat dishes that are available at many of the city's restaurants.
Machbūs is a staple of Qatari cuisine, and it is definitely worth trying if you are looking for something new to eat. Other popular dishes in Al Wakrah include shawarma (a type of sandwich made with chicken or lamb), rice dishes like kabsa, and lamb or chicken stew.
Read 8 Stadiums of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Al Rayyan
This city has three stadiums Khalifa International Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, and Education City Stadium. Hence the city will attract more people than other cities. It is also one of the best places to visit in Qatar.
Tourists can explore a variety of activities in Al Rayyan. There are many tourist places in Al Rayyan to visit, including Zekreet Beach, Film City, Musfur Sinkhole, the Mall of Qatar, and more.
In addition, there are many excellent restaurants in Al Rayyan. Those looking for an authentic Qatari experience, don't miss out on visiting Al Bait Al Kuwaiti Restaurant. With so much to see and do, Al Rayyan is sure to please visitors of all ages.
Doha
Doha is the capital of Qatar and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. Two stadiums of Doha, including Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium, will host some matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Adding to these, the city is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, The Pearl Qatar, Doha Cornice, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as taking a tour at Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art, Qatar National Library, Education City Mosque, and more. Visitors can also enjoy a number of outdoor activities, such as camel riding and dune buggy racing.
When it comes to food, Doha offers a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional Arabic dishes to international cuisine.
Those who love to do shopping abroad shouldn’t miss exploring Doha, as the city has a number of luxury malls and boutiques.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Doha is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Not to mention, enjoying FIFA World Cup is a bonus addition.
Read FIFA World Cup 2022: Participating countries, venues, full group phase fixtures
Final Words
There is no doubt that this year’s Football World Cup tournament will be a unique and unforgettable event. There is something for everyone to enjoy with so many incredible places to explore in the host country.
So far, we have discussed the top things to do in the five host cities of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup besides watching games. Hopefully, this travel guide has given you an idea about what each host city has to offer and has inspired you to start planning your trip.