10 fun facts about this year’s World Cup

Discover what makes Qatar 2022 totally unique

After 12 years of anticipation, the World Cup is very nearly here.

When Qatar 2022 kicks off on Sunday November 20, it will mark a number of historic firsts – and to mark the occasion, we’ve rounded up 10 World Cup fun facts just for you.

1. First ever World Cup held during the northern autumn

Every World Cup prior to 2022 has been held in May, June or July, but this year’s tournament will be held in November and December to avoid Qatar’s intense summer heat.

2. First World Cup held in the Arab World

The tournament is also only the second World Cup held entirely in Asia, following on from the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

When the World Cup was first held in Uruguay in 1930, just 13 teams took part. This increased to 16 teams in 1934, expanding to 24 teams in 1982, before reaching its current format in 1998. The next World Cup, held across Canada, Mexico and the United states will have 48 teams.

All of the stadiums are within a 55-kilometre radius of central Doha, meaning teams and fans will not have to fly between matches as in other tournaments.

Through a four-step process – awareness, measurement, reduction and offsetting – Qatar hopes to deliver a carbon neutral tournament. This involves renewable energy solutions, energy and water-efficient stadiums, using recycled materials, and offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions.

6. First ever fully-demountable World Cup stadium

Built from 974 shipping containers, Stadium 974 will be dismantled after the tournament and turned into a new waterfront development.

The total spend by the host city is estimated to lie at around US$220 billion. Up to US$10 billion of that was spent on stadiums, with the rest on infrastructure such as the construction of the Doha Metro and the expansion of Hamad International Airport.

With a population of 2.985 million (as of September 2022), and a land area of 11,571 square metres, Qatar is the smallest host country on record. 

9. First female referees at men’s World Cup

Qatar 2022 will be the first time female referees will officiate men’s World Cup matches. Of 36 referees, three – Yamashita Yoshimi, Salima Mukansanga and Stephanie Frappart – are female.

10. First trophy tour to visit all qualified nations

For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca‑Cola saw the golden trophy visit every team that has qualified for the tournament. In total, the trophy has visited 51 countries and territories.

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