THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022™
A Dream Turned Reality
Explore the State of Qatar’s transformative journey in hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, from its ambitious bid to the tournament’s successful conclusion and the pivotal milestones that shaped this historic achievement.
Amazing, Delivered
More than 12 years after securing the rights to host the FIFA World Cup, Qatar fulfilled its promise and captivated the world by delivering the best edition in the tournament’s history.
Years of meticulous preparation culminated in an unforgettable final at Lusail Stadium. As 88,000 spectators filled the stands, they witnessed Argentina triumph over France in a match for the ages, bringing the Arab world’s first World Cup to a magnificent close.
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, presents the Qatari Bisht to Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi in a historical moment following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.
Milestones on the Road to 2022
Qatar’s historic World Cup journey encompassed many remarkable milestones, from the moment it submitted its bid until the final whistle at Lusail Stadium on 18 December 2022, which coincided with Qatar’s National Day.
2009
Bid Submitted
The State of Qatar officially submits its bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022.
2010
Qatar Awarded FIFA World Cup Hosting Rights
Qatar triumphs over strong contenders, including the United States, to secure hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
This historic decision marks Qatar as the first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to host football’s most prestigious tournament.
2011
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Established
Amiri Decree No. (27) establishes the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to oversee FIFA World Cup preparations.
This includes developing comprehensive strategies and policies for the tournament’s successful delivery, encompassing legal, organisational, urban, social and economic aspects.
2013
Al Janoub Stadium Design Unveiled
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy reveals Al Janoub Stadium’s innovative design concept.
Located in Al Wakrah, the venue’s design is inspired by traditional dhow boats, paying tribute to the city’s rich heritage.
2014
Hamad International Airport Inaugurated
Hamad International Airport, a key strategic project for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, begins operations.
Designed to welcome over 70 million travelers annually, the state-of-the-art facility served as the primary entry point for international football fans attending the tournament.
2015
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Begins Community Engagement Tours
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy launches its first community outreach campaign to boost public engagement and position the local community as an integral partner in organising this landmark event.
2016
‘Bayt Qatar’ Opens at Rio Olympics
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy inaugurates ‘Bayt Qatar’ booth on the sidelines of the Rio 2016 Olympics, showcasing preparations to host the FIFA World Cup.
After the Olympics, the booth was repurposed into a bilingual public school called Escola Eleva.
2017
Khalifa International Stadium Inaugurated
Following an extensive renovation and expansion, Khalifa International Stadium reopens with an increased capacity of 40,000 seats, making it the first tournament-ready venue.
2017
Stadium 974 Design Revealed
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy unveils the innovative design for Stadium 974.
The venue features a modular structure built from shipping containers.
2018
Lusail Stadium Design Unveiled
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy reveals the design concept for Lusail Stadium, the 88,000-capacity venue set to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.
2019
Al Janoub Stadium Inaugurated
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurates Al Janoub Stadium, the first of seven purpose-built stadiums to be completed for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
2019
Official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Emblem Unveiled
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy unveils the Official Emblem for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Inspired by the woollen shawl popular across the Arab world, the emblem artfully blends Qatari and Arab motifs with football elements in a figure-eight shape symbolising the eight stadiums.
2020
Education City Stadium Completed
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy announces the completion of Education City Stadium. Dubbed the ‘Diamond in the Desert,’ the stadium features intertwined geometric shapes that change colour with the sun’s movement across the sky.
2020
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Inaugurated
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurates Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium as the fourth tournament-ready venue.
2021
Al Thumama Stadium Inaugurated
Al Thumama Stadium is completed as the fifth tournament-ready venue.
The stadium is designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Jaidah to resemble the Gahfiya, a traditional head garment worn by men and boys across the region.
2021
November 2021
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Countdown Clock Unveiled
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Countdown Clock, powered by Hublot, is unveiled in a ceremony held at the Corniche, marking one year until kick-off.
2021
November – December 2021
Qatar hosts FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™
Qatar hosts the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 for the first time under the auspices of FIFA.
The tournament marks the inauguration of the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium and the 40,000-seat Stadium 974. The tournament serves as a successful test event for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
2022
Lusail Stadium Inaugurated
Lusail Stadium opens by hosting the Lusail Super Cup, a match between Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal and Egyptian Premier League champions Al Zamalek, ahead of more than 78,000 spectators.
“From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022. We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity.”
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony
2022
20 November
Amazing, Delivered
On the eve of 20 November 2022, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, graciously inaugurates the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Al Bayt Stadium in the presence of numerous heads of state and dignitaries.
2022
18 December
In a memorable gesture, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, drapes the traditional Qatari ‘Bisht’ over Argentine Lionel Messi, the world’s most decorated footballer, before he lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy.
This iconic moment, witnessed by over 88,000 spectators at Lusail Stadium, marked Argentina’s triumph and the conclusion of the first FIFA World Cup held in the Arab world and Middle East.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Facts & Figures
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 set several records, affirming its status as ‘the best World Cup ever’, as declared by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Some of these include:
- Record-Breaking Attendance: Qatar welcomed over 1.4 million visitors, with a total match attendance of 3,404,252 fans. Three matches at Lusail Stadium, including the final, saw the largest crowds since the 1994 World Cup in the United States
- Highest-Scoring Tournament: With 172 goals, Qatar 2022 became the highest-scoring FIFA World Cup in history
- Most Compact World Cup: Qatar’s compact nature allowed fans to attend multiple matches in a single day, with the maximum distance between stadiums being 75 km
- Efficient Public Transportation: Qatar’s state-of-the-art public transport system efficiently moved millions of fans, with Doha Metro serving 17,444,586 passengers, Lusail Tram carrying 779,958 and public buses transporting 5,587,706 people
- International Volunteer Participation: Over 20,000 volunteers from across the globe contributed to the tournament’s success
- Innovative Services: Fans benefitted from a range of groundbreaking services, including Arabic audio descriptive commentary for blind and visually impaired fans, as well as sensory rooms in stadiums
- Popular Entertainment Sites: Fan zones across Qatar recorded approximately 7 million visits
- Massive Global Viewership: Over 5 billion viewers worldwide tuned in to watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, reflecting the tournament’s global impact
- Most Sustainable FIFA World Cup: All eight stadiums received sustainability certifications for design, construction and operations. Roughly 80 percent of waste collected from stadiums was recycled
- Lasting Legacy: By accelerating infrastructure development, building national expertise in major events organisation and launching social initiatives around the world, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 left a sustainable legacy for Qatar and beyond
